Harris, Obama Slam Trump Over Kimmel Suspension

Harris, Obama Slam Trump Over

The political landscape is ablaze with accusations of censorship as former Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Barack Obama sharply criticize the Trump administration following the indefinite suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. The controversy erupted after Kimmel's on-air remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, prompting what critics call an abuse of power through regulatory threats. This incident, unfolding in mid-September 2025, has sparked protests, legal debates, and a renewed focus on free speech in America. As Harris warns of fear being weaponized and Obama urges the media to "get a spine," we examine the details, key reactions, and the chilling implications for democracy.

The drama started on Jimmy Kimmel's Monday show when he talked about the deadly shooting of MAGA activist Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025. Kimmel discussed 22-year-old suspect Tyler Robinson, who was charged with Kirk's murder, and criticized MAGA supporters for trying to distance themselves politically from the shooter—whom Utah Governor Spencer Cox described as having leftist beliefs. He showed a clip of President Donald Trump reacting to Kirk's death, mocking Trump's response as childish.

The backlash was swift. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, publicly condemned Kimmel's comments and hinted at regulatory consequences, saying in a podcast, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” while mentioning “additional work for the FCC.” Under pressure, ABC/Disney decided to cancel the show

Kamala Harris wasted no time criticizing the administration on social media, framing the suspension as part of a larger attack on free speech. Without directly mentioning Kimmel or Disney, she stated, "What we are witnessing is an outright abuse of power," and accused the Trump team of "attacking critics and using fear as a weapon to silence anyone who would speak out." Harris went further by criticizing media corporations for "capitulating to these threats," and called for vigilance: "We cannot dare to be silent or complacent in the face of this frontal assault on free speech. We, the People, deserve better."

Her comments reflect ongoing concerns about Trump's media battles, including settled lawsuits against CBS ($10 billion) and ABC/Disney ($15 million) for alleged biased editing and reporting. Harris, currently on a book tour for her memoir "107 Days" amid 2028 presidential speculation, has a personal connection to Disney through Entertainment chief Dana Walden, adding complexity to the story.

Barack Obama amplified the outcry by posting on X to condemn the administration's escalation of "cancel culture" through regulatory threats. He said, "After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies unless they muzzle or fire reporters and commentators it doesn't like." Obama urged the media to "start standing up rather than capitulating to it," linking to a New York Times article about the Washington Post firing columnist Karen Attiah over her social media posts following Kirk's death.

In another post, Obama shared a quote from Frederick Douglass's 1860 essay on free speech, emphasizing its importance in democracy. At a Pennsylvania event, he mourned Kirk's death but criticized the administration's rhetoric of labeling opponents as "vermin" or "enemies." Obama also praised a New York Times article by David French defending First Amendment rights across the political spectrum.

President Trump has reveled in the suspension, calling Kimmel a "low-ratings loser" and suggesting networks should face punishment for negative coverage. The White House denied involvement, insisting it was a private decision. Democrats like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have called for Carr's resignation.

This episode occurs amidst a tense political climate marked by violence, including an attempt on Trump's life in 2024 and the killing of a Democratic lawmaker in Minnesota.

Harris and Obama's interventions underscore concerns that government coercion could weaken the First Amendment. As media outlets face threats, this may suppress dissent and establish harmful precedents. However, it also strengthens calls for resilience, reminding us that free expression remains a vital part of democracy.