President Donald Trump says Jimmy Kimmel was dropped because of ‘bad ratings’ and ‘lack of talent’|@JimmyKimmelLive|X
A day after ABC suspended comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s show, a move that sparked public and political backlash, President Donald Trump said that TV networks critical of him may have their license taken away.
Trump claimed Kimmel was dropped because of “bad ratings” and “lack of talent.”
On Wednesday, Jimmy Kimmel Live! went dark after the comedian hinted that President Trump’s MAGA allies are making themselves appear like Charlie Kirk’s suspect.
The FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who’s also a Trump appointee, pressured ABC to take steps against the comedian.
Trump also called for the cancellation of late-night shows hosted by Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers.
After Carr’s criticism, several other channels said they would replace Kimmel’s show with other content.
Free speech concerns
Several Democrats, including FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, warned that such moves threaten First Amendment protections. Former President Barack Obama accused Trump of hypocrisy.
Analysts note that broadcast giants could bend to political pressure because they need the FCC’s approval on major deals. Disney, ABC’s parent company, is awaiting clearance for ESPN’s acquisition of the NFL Network.