Newsom lost it.
California’s Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom erupted in anger after ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! from the air following the late-night host’s controversial comments about the shocking assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA.
In a fiery post on X (formerly Twitter), Newsom accused conservatives of “coordinating to control the media” and warned of a “dangerous attack” on free speech.
“Corrupt, despicable, and spineless behavior,” Newsom’s press office raged. “This is a coordinated effort to silence voices and manipulate what Americans see and hear. It must be called out.”
On his personal account, Newsom went even further, accusing Republicans of “buying and controlling platforms, firing commentators, and canceling shows” to push their agenda.
“These aren’t coincidences. They’re coordinated. And they’re dangerous,” he warned.
ABC, Disney, and Major Networks Take Swift Action
Disney, ABC’s parent company, confirmed to Fox News Digital that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be pulled indefinitely.
Nexstar Media Group, which owns hundreds of television stations, announced that its ABC affiliates would stop airing Kimmel’s show immediately, replacing it with other programming “for the foreseeable future.” Sinclair Broadcast Group quickly followed suit, amplifying the backlash.
Andrew Alford, Nexstar’s president of broadcasting, said Kimmel’s comments went too far during a tense moment in America’s political climate:
“Mr. Kimmel’s comments about Charlie Kirk’s tragic death were offensive and deeply insensitive. They do not reflect the values or beliefs of the communities we serve,” Alford said.
The Spark That Set It Off
The uproar began when Kimmel mocked conservatives, claiming they were “reaching new lows” by linking alleged shooter Tyler Robinson to far-left extremism.
But just a day later, prosecutors confirmed Robinson’s ideological ties in a formal indictment—proving Kimmel wrong and fueling public outrage.
This prompted Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr to issue a stern warning to Disney, hinting that the FCC could take action if the network failed to respond.
“Kimmel’s remarks represent some of the sickest conduct I’ve ever seen on television,” Carr said during an interview on The Benny Show.
Within hours, Nexstar and Sinclair announced they were dropping the program, followed by Disney’s decision to completely suspend the show.
Democrats Cry Censorship – Trump Declares Victory
While conservatives praised the decision, Democrats claimed it was politically motivated censorship.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker echoed Newsom’s fury, calling the move “undemocratic” and accusing President Trump of silencing voices he dislikes.
“A truly free nation cannot shut down comedians simply because the President disagrees with their words,” Pritzker posted on X. “This is nothing less than an assault on free speech.”
Meanwhile, President Trump celebrated the decision in a fiery Truth Social post, saying ABC finally showed courage by removing Kimmel.
“Fantastic news for our country! The failing Jimmy Kimmel Live! has finally been CANCELLED. Kudos to ABC for having the guts to make the right call,” Trump posted. “Kimmel has absolutely no talent and ratings even lower than Colbert’s — if you can believe that.”
Why This Matters
This high-profile media battle highlights the deepening cultural divide in America.
- Democrats frame the suspension as a free speech issue.
- Conservatives see it as long-overdue accountability for a media elite that mocks tragedies and fans the flames of political violence.
With Trump’s second term gaining momentum and the 2026 midterms on the horizon, the fight over who controls the narrative is only just beginning.
Why Conservatives Are Cheering
For many Americans, especially those who supported Trump and Charlie Kirk, this decision represents a rare victory against the mainstream media.
“Finally, someone stood up to Hollywood and said enough is enough,” said one viewer on social media.
As more companies face pressure to stop giving a platform to divisive rhetoric, Kimmel’s downfall could be the first of many battles to come.