Late-night hosts unite against Trump's ABC influence: Kimmel gets support from Colbert and The Daily Show.

Late-Night Hosts Rally Behind Jimmy Kimmel Amid ABC Suspension In a show of solidarity with suspended late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, his peers at Comedy Central's The Daily Show and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert delivered scathing critiques of the Trump administration's influence on ABC executives. On Thursday, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert took aim at ABC's decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live!, citing pressure from the White House. "If ABC thinks that this is going to satisfy the regime, they are woefully naive," Colbert said in his opening monologue. Stewart added, "We have another fun, hilarious, administration-compliant show." The suspension of Kimmel's program came after a heated exchange between Kimmel and Trump on Twitter. The controversy sparked outrage among late-night hosts, who used their platforms to condemn the move. In a satirical take, Stewart projected images of the White House's opulent interiors onto his set, sarcastically remarking, "We have another fun, hilarious, administration-compliant show." He also showered Trump with fake flattery, praising the president's "undeniable sexual charisma." Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon at NBC followed suit, nodding to the concept of state media. Meyers said, "I just want to say, before we get started here, that I've always admired and respected Mr. Trump." Fallon added, "And if you've ever seen me say anything negative about him, that's just a joke." The controversy highlights the delicate balance between free speech and government influence on media outlets. As Stewart noted, "With an autocrat, you cannot give an inch." The incident also raises questions about the role of late-night hosts in holding those in power accountable. In response to the backlash, ABC executives have maintained that the suspension was a business decision, not a result of external pressure. However, many are skeptical, citing the network's history of caving to White House demands. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: late-night hosts will continue to speak truth to power, even in the face of adversity. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of a free press and the need for media outlets to stand firm against government influence. Background: ABC's decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! has sparked widespread criticism from the entertainment industry and beyond. The move is seen by many as an attempt to appease the Trump administration, which has been known to exert pressure on media outlets. Additional Perspectives: Industry insiders point to the incident as a prime example of the challenges faced by late-night hosts in navigating the complex landscape of free speech and government influence. "It's a delicate balance," said one insider. "But when you're dealing with an autocrat, it's hard to know where to draw the line." Current Status: The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains in effect, with no clear indication of when or if the program will return. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: late-night hosts will continue to push boundaries and challenge those in power. Next Developments: Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as more information becomes available. In the meantime, follow our coverage for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on the implications of this incident for media outlets and society at large. *Reporting by Motherjones.*