President Donald Trump expressed his approval of Disney’s ABC for indefinitely suspending Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show after controversial remarks regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk made on Wednesday evening.
ABC swiftly acted after Nexstar Media Group, a significant player in U.S. television station ownership, stated it would take charge of the airing of Jimmy Kimmel Live! across affiliated ABC stations. In a post on True Social, Trump commended the network for showing the strength to take necessary actions.
“Great news: the troubled Jimmy Kimmel show is cancelled. Kudos to ABC for finding the courage to do what’s needed. [Fallon] and Seth [Meyers] are total losers, part of the fake news NBC. Their ratings are dreadful. I’ll take NBC on anytime!” Trump remarked.
Kimmel’s show faced indefinite cancellation following a monologue where he criticized the “Maga gang” for their attempts to redefine Kirk’s alleged assassin as someone outside their group for political gain.
“Over the weekend, the Maga group hit a new low, trying to frame this kid who is supposedly trying to kill Charlie Kirk as anything but one of their own,” Kimmel stated. “It was sad, and just on Friday, the White House even flew the flag at half-staff.”
He then shared a clip of Trump, commenting on Trump’s demeanor after Kirk’s murder, likening it to a young child mourning a goldfish.
Earlier on Wednesday, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr appeared on “Benny Show,” labeling Kimmel’s actions as some of the most irresponsible and hinting that the FCC might intervene.
“In certain circles, there’s a deliberate effort to mislead Americans about their true nature. This is one of the most significant public interest issues I have encountered concerning Kimmel’s commentary on the story around a man transforming into a Maga or Republican figure,” Carr conveyed.
“Since taking office as FCC chairman, my aim has been to rejuvenate the public interest. People often overlook that broadcasters have a different responsibility than those who use alternative means of communication.”
Before 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was arrested as the suspect in Kirk’s assassination, officials revealed that the bullet casing from the firearm used contained several phrases such as “Hey Fascist! Catch!” and “If you’re reading this, you’re a gay lmao.” One of the casings also had a depiction of “Bella Ciao,” a left-wing anthem from World War II.
An online speculation suggests that Robinson, who was detained on Friday, may have been influenced by radical right ideas. At a press conference, Republican Utah Governor Spencer Cox described Robinson as having been “deeply indoctrinated by leftist ideology,” stating that he viewed Kirk as “spreading hatred.”
A text message disclosed by officials on Tuesday illustrated communications between Robinson and his transgender roommate, emphasizing Robinson’s vehement feelings. “I have had enough of his hatred,” he reportedly wrote. “Some hatred cannot be negotiated.”
