Donald Trump suggested networks could lose their licenses after Jimmy Kimmel was suspended over Charlie Kirk remarks. Jimmy Fallon defended Kimmel in response.
Donald Trump is escalating his battle with the U.S. media after Jimmy Kimmel Live! was suddenly taken off the air by ABC.
The late-night show was suspended following Kimmel’s controversial monologue about Trump, his supporters, and the shocking assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kimmel’s Controversial Monologue
On Monday night’s episode, Kimmel said:
“We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”
Shortly after, ABC confirmed that the show had been “pre-empted indefinitely”. According to reports, the decision came after the FCC — chaired by a Trump appointee — threatened regulatory action.
Trump openly praised the move.
Backlash From Hollywood
The suspension has sparked outrage across the entertainment industry. David Letterman called it “ridiculous” and “managed media.” Actor Ben Stiller and other celebrities also voiced their concern, warning that free speech was under threat.
Meanwhile, fellow talk show host Jimmy Fallon defended his late-night rival during his own broadcast on September 18.
“To be honest with you all, I don’t know what’s going on — no one does,” Fallon told viewers. “But I do know Jimmy Kimmel, and he is a decent, funny and loving guy. And I hope he comes back.”
Trump’s Bold Claim
Amid the controversy, Trump made headlines again with remarks to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning from his UK state visit.
“I have read someplace that the networks were 97 percent against me, again, 97 percent negative, and yet I won easily, all seven swing states. They give me only bad publicity. They’re getting a license. Maybe their license should be taken away.”
His suggestion that networks could lose their broadcasting rights drew immediate criticism.
Public Reaction
Social media users blasted Trump’s comments:
“97% of networks are against you… then maybe you’re the problem.”
“America is turning into North Korea. This is government censorship.”
“It’s wild how he thinks he can threaten the media like this and not expect backlash.”
The debate over Kimmel’s suspension and Trump’s media threats has reignited fears about press freedom and the future of First Amendment rights in the U.S.
