US President Donald Trump has hinted that certain TV networks could have their licences revoked, after openly supporting America’s broadcast regulator in a heated controversy surrounding late-night host Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension.
The Disney-owned ABC network announced on Wednesday that Kimmel was being removed from the air “indefinitely,” following strong backlash over his comments about the murder of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The suspension came soon after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) warned of possible action against the network.
Kimmel, during his Monday monologue, appeared to link the suspect in the murder case to “MAGA Republicans,” despite Utah authorities confirming that the alleged shooter embraced “leftist ideology.” His remarks were seen as politically charged, sparking widespread criticism. The comedian, 57, accused Trump’s supporters of attempting to deflect blame and even compared the former president’s grieving response to that of “a four-year-old losing a goldfish.” Later, Kimmel expressed condolences to Kirk’s family through social media.
Addressing reporters aboard Air Force One on Thursday while returning from a UK state visit, Trump criticized the media for its negative coverage of him. “I’ve read that the networks were 97% against me, again 97% negative, and yet I won, all seven swing states, easily. They give me only bad press. They’re getting a licence, but maybe their licence should be taken away,” he said.
The FCC, meanwhile, signaled that ABC’s suspension of Kimmel might not resolve the matter. FCC chairman Brendan Carr said on Fox News that the commission would continue monitoring broadcasters, adding: “If broadcasters don’t like that simple solution, they can turn their licence in to the FCC.
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