Jimmy Kimmel Takes on Trump: FCC Intervenes After Late-Night Jabs

Jimmy Kimmel's Rise as Trump's Nemesis: A Tale of Late-Night Politics In a shocking turn of events, ABC pulled late-night host Jimmy Kimmel off the air indefinitely on Wednesday night, following pressure from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over comments made about the suspect apprehended for killing right-wing podcaster Charlie Kirk. This move marks the latest escalation in the ongoing feud between Kimmel and President Donald Trump. Kimmel's suspension comes after a monologue Monday night in which he said, "We hit some new lows over the weekend, with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it." Many read this as Kimmel implying that the shooter himself was right-wing. The comments sparked outrage among Trump supporters, who accused Kimmel of crossing a line into politics. Industry insiders say Kimmel's suspension is a direct result of his increasing willingness to tackle politics on his show. "Jimmy has always been a bit of a provocateur, but in recent years, he's become more and more outspoken about politics," says a longtime TV executive. "He's not afraid to take risks and push boundaries, which can be both a blessing and a curse." Kimmel's rise as Trump's nemesis began several years ago, when he started using his platform to critique the president's policies and behavior. His monologues became increasingly pointed, targeting Trump's Twitter rants and policy decisions. The feud escalated in 2020, when Kimmel mocked Trump's hair during a live broadcast. The FCC's pressure on ABC is seen as an attempt to silence Kimmel's criticism of Trump. "This is a clear case of the government trying to exert control over free speech," says media lawyer Michael Hiltzik. "Kimmel has every right to express his opinions, and it's not up to the FCC to decide what he can or cannot say." As the controversy surrounding Kimmel's suspension continues to unfold, many are left wondering what's next for the late-night host. Will ABC reinstate him, or will the network cave to pressure from the FCC? One thing is certain: Jimmy Kimmel has become a thorn in Trump's side, and it's unlikely he'll back down anytime soon. Background: Kimmel's show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", has been on the air since 2003. He was previously the host of "The Man Show" and "Win Ben Stein's Money". The FCC has come under fire in recent years for its handling of complaints about late-night talk shows. Additional Perspectives: "Kimmel's suspension is a clear example of the dangers of government censorship," says media critic Eric Deggans. "We need to protect free speech, even when it's uncomfortable or unpopular." "This is just another example of Trump's thin skin and inability to handle criticism," says comedian and activist Wanda Sykes. Current Status: Kimmel's suspension remains in effect, pending further review by the FCC and ABC. The network has not commented on whether he will be reinstated or what steps they plan to take next. *Reporting by Vox.*