FCC pressure on Disney and ABC over anti-MAGA remarks raises constitutional concerns; Musk reposts Harris’s past call to ban Trump from Twitter
A controversy around free speech and media censorship has erupted in the US after Disney-owned ABC cancelled Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show, following backlash over his monologue on Charlie Kirk and his alleged shooter Tyler Robinson.
While former US Vice President Kamala Harris strongly criticized the move as an attack on free speech, Elon Musk responded in his own subtle way — by reposting her old tweet from 2019 where she had demanded Donald Trump’s Twitter account be suspended.
Why Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Was Cancelled
- On September 18, Disney indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s show after pressure from Trump supporters and FCC officials.
- The backlash followed Kimmel’s controversial comments about Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk and suspect Tyler Robinson.
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), under Trump-appointed Chair Brendan Carr, allegedly warned Disney of action against ABC’s licenses if the show wasn’t pulled.
Brendan Carr called Kimmel’s remarks “the sickest conduct possible” and threatened FCC license reviews.
What Kamala Harris Said
Kamala Harris posted on X (formerly Twitter) on September 19:
“What we are witnessing is an outright abuse of power. This administration is attacking critics and using fear as a weapon to silence anyone who would speak out.”
She added:
“We cannot dare to be silent or complacent in the face of this frontal assault on free speech. We, the People, deserve better.”
Her remarks echo growing concerns among media freedom advocates and constitutional experts about First Amendment rights being undermined for political reasons.
What the First Amendment Protects
The First Amendment of the US Constitution protects:
- Freedom of speech
- Freedom of the press
- Freedom of religion
- The right to assemble
- The right to petition the government
Removing a show due to political content has raised alarms about possible government interference in the free press.
Elon Musk’s Response: A Tweet From the Past
In a subtle yet pointed move, Elon Musk reshared Kamala Harris’s 2019 tweet, where she had said:
“Look let’s be honest, Donald Trump’s Twitter account should be suspended.”
Musk added only a “🤔” (thinking emoji) — seen by many as calling out Harris’s perceived double standards on free speech.
Trump’s FCC & Media Pressure
According to CNN and The Independent:
- FCC Chair Brendan Carr allegedly pressured Disney and ABC to drop Jimmy Kimmel.
- Carr stated: “We at the FCC are going to force the public interest obligation… or broadcasters can turn in their licenses.”
This stance marks a dramatic shift from the FCC’s usual hands-off policy and has led many to view this as a coordinated government-backed censorship effort.
What About H-1B? Musk Silent on Trump’s Visa Shift
Interestingly, while Musk reacted to Harris’s tweet, he has remained silent on Trump’s recent H-1B visa overhaul, despite previously calling the program “vital for US innovation.”
In 2024, Musk said:
“The reason I’m in America, along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla… is because of H1B.”
Free Speech vs Political Power
| Key Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Jimmy Kimmel Show Cancelled | Due to political backlash over anti-MAGA remarks |
| Kamala Harris Reaction | Calls it “abuse of power” and attack on free speech |
| Elon Musk Response | Resurfaced Harris’s old anti-Trump tweet |
| FCC Involvement | Accused of pressuring Disney via license threats |
| Legal Concerns | First Amendment rights potentially violated |
