House Speaker Backs ABC’s Decision on Kimmel Suspension

House Speaker Mike Johnson spoke out on Fox News regarding ABC’s choice to suspend late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, asserting that the network exercised its rights appropriately.

ABC decided to suspend Kimmel’s show indefinitely after Nexstar Media Group opted to pull the program across its affiliates due to Kimmel’s remarks about Charlie Kirk’s assassination. During an appearance on “Special Report with Brett Baier,” Johnson explained that companies like ABC have the right to establish and uphold employee conduct rules, particularly when comments could incite further violence.

“My background is in the courts. I’ve spent my career as a federal court litigator defending fundamental rights like freedom of religion and speech,” Johnson noted. He highlighted that ABC is a private entity and pointed out instances where private companies have taken action against employees for statements made regarding personal or tragic events.

Johnson maintained that ABC’s decision regarding Kimmel is within its legal rights. He mentioned that private employers can uphold their brand standards without infringing on First Amendment rights.

He said, “Private employers have every right to establish their company standards and make decisions accordingly, and I don’t believe this violates the First Amendment.”

On the other hand, Congressional Democrats called for the resignation of FCC Chairman Brendan Kerr, arguing that President Donald Trump and his appointees are using the federal government against political opponents. This statement was made by Robert Garcia, a member of the House Surveillance Rankings, in response to Kimmel’s indefinite suspension.

While some Democrats have expressed their disapproval of Kimmel’s show being canceled, Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voiced concern about the party’s emphasis on Kimmel’s situation. He suggested they should instead concentrate on addressing the broader issues at play.