US President Donald Trump has raised concerns about press freedom after suggesting some television networks critical of him should have their licences revoked. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump claimed that mainstream outlets were overwhelmingly negative in their coverage and hinted that their licences should be reconsidered. His comments came in the wake of ABC’s suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel following remarks about the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah.
Kimmel, 57, had joked that Trump and his supporters were trying to misrepresent the suspect’s ideology and compared the president’s reaction to the death of a close ally to that of a child losing a pet. Although he condemned the attack and sent condolences, his remarks prompted backlash.
The Federal Communications Commission, led by Trump appointee Brendan Carr, accused Kimmel of offensive behaviour and warned networks they could face action if they failed to hold presenters accountable. ABC affiliates like Nexstar and Sinclair quickly dropped his show, with some filling the slot with tribute programmes for Kirk.
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The decision to suspend Kimmel has been heavily criticised by writers, actors, and political figures, who view the move as censorship. Former President Barack Obama accused the Trump administration of weaponising regulatory threats against media outlets, calling it a “dangerous new level of cancel culture.” Late-night hosts, including Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, rallied in support, warning against giving ground to authoritarian pressure.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa compared the developments in the US to her experiences under the Duterte regime in the Philippines, saying Americans risk losing their rights if they remain passive. Prominent actors such as Ben Stiller and Jean Smart also condemned the suspension, while the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild labelled it an attack on free expression.
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However, some argued the punishment was justified. Fox host Greg Gutfeld accused Kimmel of misleadingly blaming Kirk’s allies, while Piers Morgan said outrage was justified. FCC commissioner Anna Gomez, a Democrat, distanced herself from Carr’s stance, stressing that political violence must not be exploited as an excuse for censorship. The debate has highlighted growing tensions over media freedom in America.
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