President Trump praises ABC for pulling Jimmy Kimmel’s show and suggests action against media outlets critical of his administration.
President Donald Trump has applauded ABC’s decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live!, claiming the host lacked talent and viewers. He went further, criticizing major TV networks for negative coverage of his administration and hinting at possible consequences, including revoking broadcast licenses — a move that has sparked serious concerns about media freedom and First Amendment violations.
Trump Criticizes Networks, Suggests License Revocation
While speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump alleged that nearly all U.S. media networks are biased against him.
“Networks are 97% against me,” Trump claimed, without offering any data to back the number. “They’re getting a license. Maybe those licenses should be taken away.”
He specifically named FCC Chairman Brendan Carr as someone who could “look into it,” despite the FCC’s own statements that it does not license entire networks like ABC, NBC, or CBS — only individual broadcast stations.
Trump: 'networks were 97% AGAINST me' in run-up to his 2nd election win
— RT (@RT_com) September 18, 2025
'They’re getting a license, I would think maybe their license should be TAKEN AWAY'
'It would be up to [FCC Chair] Brendan Carr' https://t.co/hJf0gaGwt7 pic.twitter.com/zqdnFXSF1f
Why Was Jimmy Kimmel Suspended?
ABC removed Jimmy Kimmel’s show following his controversial remarks linking a recent high-profile assassination to pro-Trump extremists. He also mocked Trump for allegedly downplaying the incident during a press briefing.
Trump celebrated the suspension, calling Kimmel “untalented” and “unfunny,” and suggested the cancellation was long overdue due to low ratings.
Ratings Slump Cited as Justification
According to recent Nielsen figures:
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! averaged 1.1 million viewers in August 2025
- That’s a 43% drop from earlier in the year
- Kimmel lagged behind competitors like Greg Gutfeld and Stephen Colbert (whose show was later canceled)
Trump used the figures to reinforce his claim that Kimmel’s show failed because of low performance, not politics.
Concerns Over Free Speech and Government Pressure
Trump’s comments about media licenses and celebrating a journalist’s suspension have triggered criticism from media advocates, entertainers, and political leaders.
David Letterman Speaks Out
Legendary host David Letterman warned of a dangerous trend:
“You don’t fire someone just because the White House doesn’t like what they say. That’s not how a free press works.”
Barack Obama Weighs In
Former President Barack Obama condemned the actions and rhetoric:
“Threatening media outlets with regulatory action unless they silence voices is exactly the kind of government coercion the Constitution protects against.”
Legal and Constitutional Implications
The First Amendment protects not only direct speech but also shields media from government-induced censorship. Experts argue that even veiled threats—like license revocation—can have a chilling effect on press freedom.
Courts have ruled that the government cannot pressure third parties, like networks or platforms, to suppress lawful speech.
Late-Night TV Faces Uncertain Future
With Stephen Colbert’s show canceled, Kimmel suspended, and Trump targeting other hosts like Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, the future of politically charged late-night TV appears increasingly unstable.
Trump described them as “two total losers” and urged NBC to “do the right thing” by firing them as well.
