An earthquake in the media shocked the world of American entertainment on Thursday (18.09.2025). ABC announced the immediate and indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel and her emission His, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, A decision taken after a monologue by the presenter, who immediately targeted Donald Trump and his allies in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kerk. The Washington Post analyzes the case as a new step towards a time of government censorship.
The network did not give a clear justification, but Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension came a few hours after FCC President Brendan Carroto implied that the regulatory body could punish those who broadcast the broadcast. Then the Donald Trump He welcomed the decision solemnly on social networks, also calling for the cancellation of other Talk-Shots that have criticized him, such as those of Jimmy Fallon and Seth Megers.
Although ABC spoke of “offensive and anesthetic comments”, the outcry was intense. Comedians, actors and producers of Hollywood are talking about a direct attack on the first amendment. ACLU denounced “repeated abuse of power”, while Ben Stiller, Mark Maron and Damon Lindelov publicly expressed their indignation.
Some Disney+subscribers, a parent company at ABC, have even announced that they are canceling their subscription as a sign of protest, publicizing their act on X.
Just canceled my Disney+ and HULU subscription because ABC caved to Trump’s and Carr’s fascism. pic.twitter.com/bXLM4ajnF9
– David Badash (@Davidbadash) September 18, 2025
I have canceled my Disney+ subscription and canceled an upcoming trip. As much as I have loved Disney in my life, the First Amendment and the Constitution mean more to me than any entertainment company ever could. What ABC did yesterday is disgusting and ultimately UnAmerican. pic.twitter.com/TnJn5xmCoL
— Juan-Carlos “JC” Plans (@jcp717) September 18, 2025
Open political pressure
In Congress, Democratic Senators denounced the scandal. Chuck Sumer demanded the resignation of the FCC president, while the only democratic member of the organization, Anna Gomez, complained “danger to the foundations of the first amendment”. Barack Obama and Kamala Harris also accused the Trump government of “blatant abuse of power”.
At the same time, the suspension was accepted with enthusiasm by part of the conservative media. Some do not consider it an authoritarian diversion but a “direct consequence of the actions” of Kimmel. Rosan Bar, whose show was canceled in 2018 after a racist tweet, commented ironically: “Today is better than my birthday.”
Historical Intersection for Late-Night
For analysts, a late-night presenter had never been targeted again. Expert Bill Carter speaks of a “insult of the Constitution”, recalling that Johnny Carson and David Leterman Satiran ruthlessly American presidents without receiving retaliation. The latter described the episode as “unthinkable” and revealed that he received a message of support from Kimmel.
The Washington Post emphasizes that the suspension is part of a framework of financial pressures: ABC and its main stations group, Nexstar, have pending folders in FCC and are trying to avoid Trump’s month. There have already been rumors of non -renewal of Kimmel’s contract, as recently happened to Steven Colbert.
One remains certain: Beyond the political confrontation, the future of the American television satire and freedom of speech is at stake.