The late night world just got a whole lot darker, Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been yanked off the air after FCC commissioner Brendan Carr threatened ABC over Kimmel’s latest monologue, and now Congress wants answers.
Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, announced Thursday he’s launching an investigation into what he calls “corrupt schemes and threats” designed to silence critics of Donald Trump. “Every American has a duty to stand up for our First Amendment values,” Garcia said. “We will not be silent as our freedoms are threatened.”
What Triggered It
On Monday night, Kimmel tore into Trump’s bizarre response to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Instead of mourning, Trump pivoted to bragging about a new White House ballroom. Kimmel quipped: “He’s at the fourth stage of grief — construction. This is how a four year old mourns a goldfish.”
The jokes sparked fury on the right. Carr accused Kimmel of lying and threatened regulatory action, warning, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way.” Within hours, Disney executives Robert Iger and Dana Walden pulled the plug on Kimmel’s show indefinitely, according to The New York Times.
Fallout & Pressure Tactics
The chilling effect spread fast. Nexstar Media Group, currently chasing a $6.2 billion merger, announced it would pre empt Kimmel “for the foreseeable future.” Sinclair Broadcast Group followed suit, demanding Kimmel apologise to Kirk’s family and donate to Turning Point USA. Carr applauded the moves, urging more networks to follow.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer blasted the decision, calling it “despicable, disgusting, and against democratic values.” Trump, speaking from Britain, celebrated on social media: “Great News for America.”
Bigger Picture
This isn’t happening in a vacuum. CBS recently axed The Late Show with Stephen Colbert while its parent company sought FCC approval for a merger. Trump has sued multiple outlets, including ABC, which quietly settled for $16 million. For critics, it’s a clear sign of political power bleeding into broadcast decisions, raising alarm bells about the future of free speech on American TV.
Story Credit: Advocate.com
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