Investigation Launched into Kimmel’s Dismissal Amid Alleged Political Pressure
California Representative Robert Garcia has announced an inquiry into the Trump administration and ABC following the termination of late show host Jimmy Kimmel. This move comes after Kimmel’s controversial dismissal, reportedly linked to a joke involving far-right activist Charlie Kirk.
Kimmel’s removal from the network is believed to be connected to his ongoing criticism of former President Donald Trump, as well as pending business transactions requiring federal approval, sparking concerns of censorship and potential bribery.
Garcia, who serves as co-chair of the House Oversight Committee, stated, “Every American has a duty to stand up for our First Amendment values. We will not be silent as our freedoms are threatened by corrupt schemes and threats. Anyone who is complicit will need to answer to us.”
Following Kirk’s death, Republican figures have targeted individuals on the left who have criticized Kirk or his legacy. Despite the unknown motives of the killer, Trump and other Republicans have held Democrats responsible for Kirk’s demise.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to revoke visas for any individuals who “celebrate” Kirk’s death, while Trump adviser Stephen Miller indicated that the Justice Department would investigate “leftist organizations” deemed to have “contributed” to Kirk’s murder.
Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy expressed concerns during an NPR interview, suggesting these efforts may be driven by ulterior motives, stating, “They’re readying what may be a dizzying, high-volume attack on the president’s political opponents. They’re essentially exploiting the death of Charlie Kirk to try to eliminate those who oppose the president’s agenda.”
Kimmel has been vocal about his opposition to Trump, frequently using his platform to satirize the former president. Trump has previously called for Kimmel’s termination.
Some ABC affiliates chose to preempt Kimmel’s program due to his controversial joke, with FCC Chair Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, publicly encouraging other stations to do the same. Carr suggested that their broadcast licenses might be at risk if they did not comply, which seemingly led to ABC’s decision to remove Kimmel.
Many of these affiliates are owned by Nexstar, which is in the process of a $6.2 billion merger with Tenga, a deal requiring FCC approval.
A comparable situation occurred in July when CBS dismissed Stephen Colbert, another Trump critic, shortly after Carr’s meeting with Skydance Media executives, who were pursuing the acquisition of CBS’s parent company, Paramount. The merger was approved soon after.
Representative Eric Swalwell, another member of the House Oversight Committee, warned, “There’s going to be a Democratic majority in just over a year. To the FCC chairperson and anyone involved in these dirty deals: get a lawyer and save your records because you’re going to be in this room answering questions.”
Kimmel has not yet issued a public statement regarding his dismissal.
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