Trump Floats Revoking Licences Of TV Networks Against Him: ‘They Give Me Bad Press’

Last Updated:September 19, 2025, 15:47 IST

Donald Trump suggested revoking TV licences over negative coverage after ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel for comments on Charlie Kirk.

US President Donald Trump (Reuters Image)

US President Donald Trump suggested that television networks critical of him should have their licences “taken away”, after ABC suspended late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.

Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension came days after he suggested that conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s murder in Utah may have been perpetrated by a Donald Trump supporter- comments that prompted pressure from the White House and threats of regulatory action.

Donald Trump complained that broadcasters were overwhelmingly hostile to him as he said, “I have read some place that the networks were 97% against me, again, 97% negative, and yet I won and easily [in last year’s election]. They give me only bad publicity [and] press. I mean, they’re getting a licence. I would think maybe their licence should be taken away.”

Jimmy Kimmel’s Cancellation

Jimmy Kimmel’s removal sparked concerns that the administration is seeking to muzzle its critics. CBS host Stephen Colbert blasted the suspension as “blatant censorship,” warning, “With an autocrat, you can’t give an inch.”

Former President Barack Obama also weighed in, saying the Trump White House had taken cancel culture to a “new and dangerous level” by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies. Other late-night hosts, including Jon Stewart, mocked the controversy. Jon Stewart described himself sarcastically as a “patriotically obedient host” of an “administration-compliant” show, referring to Donald Trump as “dear leader.”

What Jimmy Kimmel Said

In his monologue, Jimmy Kimmel claimed the “Maga gang” was attempting to downplay the Utah killing of Charlie Kirk by a 22-year-old man accused of being “indoctrinated with leftist ideology.” Jimmy Kimmel argued that Donald Trump allies were “desperately trying to characterise this kid as anything other than one of them” and accused the president of mourning his confidant like “a four-year-old mourns a goldfish.”

The remarks were denounced by FCC chair Brendan Carr, who called them “the sickest conduct possible.” Brendan Carr suggested broadcasters could face regulatory consequences if they did not act against such comments.

Following this, ABC’s parent company Disney announced Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension after major station owner Nexstar Media refused to carry his show. Nexstar, currently seeking FCC approval for a $6.2bn merger with Tegna, praised the move.

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