ABC has pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air indefinitely following pressure from the Trump administration and major ABC affiliate owners. The controversy stems from Kimmel’s remarks about the suspected killer of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Eric Swalwell says Jimmy Kimmel "has a right" to a show on television after his disgusting comments on Charlie Kirk's assassination led to ABC pulling him off air.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 18, 2025
"It should shake every American that @POTUS is out there firing comedians..."
What is he talking about? pic.twitter.com/IOJDdlYUzD
FCC Chair Brendan Carr, appointed by President Trump, suggested the agency could review ABC’s broadcast licenses if Disney failed to act. Nexstar and Sinclair, two large station groups seeking federal approval for mergers, announced they would preempt Kimmel’s program, prompting ABC to suspend it nationwide.
SAG-AFTRA is publicly condemning the decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel’s show.
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 18, 2025
“Democracy thrives when diverse points of view are expressed.
The decision to suspend airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! is the type of suppression and retaliation that endangers everyone’s freedoms” pic.twitter.com/Tc1vI35rx2
President Trump applauded the decision from London, posting on Truth Social that ABC “finally had the courage to do what had to be done.” Free speech groups, however, condemned the suspension as censorship.
ABC suspends Jimmy Kimmel’s show ‘indefinitely’ for his comments on Charlie Kirk https://t.co/qhHYoPBCzL pic.twitter.com/PXdlS54BAa
— The Independent (@Independent) September 18, 2025
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez warned the move set a “dangerous precedent” for government intrusion into lawful expression.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 18, 2025
The standoff highlights growing political pressure on media companies and the deepening battle over free speech.
Also read:
TIPP Staff
