Washington, D.C. – Former President Barack Obama accused the Trump administration on Thursday of taking “cancel culture” to a dangerous new level, alleging it is using regulatory threats to pressure media companies into silencing journalists and commentators.
The remarks come as Disney confirmed it will indefinitely pull ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following controversy over comments Kimmel made linking the suspect in Charlie Kirk’s murder to left-wing ideology.
What Happened
Obama wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that, “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.”
The dispute intensified after Kimmel criticized conservatives for attempting to politically frame 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, the suspect in Kirk’s killing, as affiliated with left-wing ideology. Prosecutors and FBI officials, alongside Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, said Robinson had embraced “leftist ideology” and had become increasingly radicalized in recent years. Investigators also noted that three rounds in Robinson’s rifle magazine were engraved with the phrase, “Hey fascist! Catch!”
Jimmy Kimmel’s Role
On his show, Kimmel mocked Vice President JD Vance for attributing political extremism to the left, calling his comments “complete bull—.” Kimmel has frequently satirized Trump and his administration, making the host a long-standing target for conservative critics.
Trump Administration and FCC Response
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, issued a warning to Disney on Wednesday. Carr described Kimmel’s conduct as “the sickest conduct” and suggested the FCC could pursue regulatory actions if the network did not respond. “These companies can find ways to change conduct…or there’s going to be additional work for the FCC ahead,” Carr said.
The Trump administration has previously expressed frustration with media coverage and has repeatedly criticized Kimmel, labeling him a “terrible” and “low-rated” host.
Public and Media Reactions
The controversy has sparked debates over free speech, media independence, and the role of federal regulators in policing broadcast content. Obama’s comments frame the issue as a broader attack on press freedom, while supporters of the FCC’s stance argue it is a matter of media accountability.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
