This week, President Trump’s campaign of authoritarian repression escalated in a way that should alarm anyone who cares about democracy and free speech. Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has been indefinitely suspended—not because of ratings, but because he told a joke that offended those in power.
Trump’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair, Brendan Carr, openly threatened stations that dared to air Kimmel’s show. His chilling words:
“We can do this the easy way or the hard way.”
Within hours, ABC/Disney executives—led by CEO Bob Iger—chose what they thought was the “easy way.” They silenced Kimmel, sacrificing the First Amendment on the altar of corporate profit.
But here’s the truth: appeasing a tyrant only invites more tyranny.
How We Got Here
This isn’t an isolated event—it’s part of a pattern of corporate cowardice and political collusion that has been unfolding for months:
- December 2024: ABC/Disney pays $15 million to Trump’s presidential library to settle a frivolous lawsuit instead of defending the freedom of the press.
- July 17: CBS cancels Stephen Colbert’s show while its parent company, Paramount, waits for FCC merger approval.
- July 18: Trump posts on Truth Social: “Jimmy Kimmel is next.”
- July 24: FCC greenlights Paramount’s merger just one week after Colbert is axed.
- September 10: After Charlie Kirk is murdered, Trump allies call for a massive crackdown on the left.
- September 15: In his monologue, Kimmel calls out Trump’s political exploitation of the tragedy.
- September 17 (morning): FCC Chair Carr threatens to revoke licenses from stations airing Kimmel.
- September 17 (afternoon): Media conglomerates with business before the FCC (Nexstar and Sinclair) announce they won’t air the show.
- September 17 (evening): ABC/Disney pulls Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air entirely.
This is corporate self-interest bending to authoritarian power—and if it goes unchecked, it won’t stop at comedy. News, opinion, and peaceful dissent are next.
Why It Matters
This isn’t about liking or disliking Jimmy Kimmel. And it has nothing to do with whether you’re a Republican, Democrat, or Independent.
Silencing voices because they criticize those in power is a direct threat to all Americans.
Every President deserves scrutiny. And let’s be honest: public mockery comes with the job.
- George W. Bush endured years of Will Ferrell’s sharp portrayals on Saturday Night Live in the early 2000s, but he never tried to get Ferrell fired.
- Barack Obama was skewered daily on conservative talk radio and cable news, but he never demanded those hosts be silenced.
- Joe Biden faced relentless attacks on Fox News and right-wing podcasts, and after a terrible debate performance, some of the harshest pushback came from his own party.
The point is: criticism of presidents is an American tradition and essential in a healthy democracy. Or as President Theodore Roosevelt once put it:
“To announce that there must be no criticism of the President… is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”
Free speech either exists for everyone, or it exists for no one.
Defending Kimmel’s right to speak out isn’t about defending his politics or the quality of his jokes—it’s about defending the First Amendment, which protects us all regardless of party or ideology.
If we fail to push back now, the cost will be higher later.
How We Fight Back
We are not powerless. Millions of us working together can make Disney regret this choice—and force them to choose the right side of history. Here’s how:
- ❌ Cancel Disney streaming services—Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+—until Jimmy Kimmel Live! is reinstated. Spread the word with #BoycottDisneyABC.
- 💬 Tell Disney directly—Use their contact form to say you’re canceling or withholding business because of their collusion with censorship.
- 🔥 Email your representatives—Demand an investigation into FCC Chair Carr’s threats and corporate compliance with government censorship.
- 📣 Protest in person—Join local actions outside Disney/ABC offices and mark your calendar for No Kings Day.
This fight isn’t just about one late-night show. It’s about whether we allow authoritarian power to dictate what we see, hear, and say.
The Bottom Line
ABC/Disney had a choice: defend free speech or cave to Trump’s FCC. They chose wrong. Now it’s up to us to prove that giving in to censorship carries a price.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. If we lose this battle, dissent itself could disappear from American life.
It’s time to use our voices, our wallets, and our people power to save the First Amendment.
About Lenawee Indivisible:
Lenawee Indivisible is a grassroots, nonviolent group of citizens dedicated to defending democracy, protecting voting rights, and holding elected officials accountable—in Lenawee County, MI, and beyond. We believe in informed civic engagement, inclusive communities, and building power through people. Learn how you can get involved.