Obama is clearly furious.
Former President Barack Obama has sparked outrage after publicly attacking President Donald Trump over the removal of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel’s show, which was yanked from multiple networks following Kimmel’s disrespectful joke about the death of conservative leader Charlie Kirk.
Obama accused President Trump of taking “cancel culture to a dangerous new level” by allegedly pressuring media companies to silence liberal voices.
“After years of complaining about cancel culture, this administration has taken it to a dangerous new level by threatening regulatory action unless media companies silence reporters and commentators it dislikes,” Obama posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Pulled Nationwide After Outrage
On Thursday, ABC announced that Kimmel’s late-night show would be “pre-empted indefinitely.”
Nexstar Media Group, which owns dozens of ABC-affiliated stations across the country, confirmed they would stop airing future episodes “for the foreseeable future.”
The decision came after Kimmel mocked the conservative movement’s grief over Charlie Kirk’s death, comparing President Trump’s reaction to “a 4-year-old mourning a goldfish.”
This deeply offensive comment ignited a firestorm, with millions of Americans calling for action against what they see as years of late-night liberal bias and cruelty toward conservatives.
Obama Defends Kimmel, Targets Trump
Instead of condemning Kimmel’s remarks, Obama doubled down by defending the comedian and attacking Trump.
He amplified a Vox opinion article accusing the Trump administration of “weaponizing government power” to punish speech it doesn’t like, even comparing Trump’s actions to those of “modern autocrats.”
The article claimed the administration’s actions against Kimmel represented “a dangerous escalation” of government censorship.
Obama echoed these claims, saying America is moving toward authoritarianism.
“We’re not there yet completely,” Obama said, “but we are dangerously close to normalizing behavior like this.”
The Heart of the Fight: Free Speech or Bias?
This battle has intensified the national debate over free speech and media bias:
- Conservatives see Kimmel’s removal as a long-overdue act of accountability after decades of liberal hosts mocking conservatives without consequences.
- The Left, led by Obama, claims it’s government overreach and a threat to democracy.
President Trump and FCC Chair Brendan Carr celebrated ABC’s decision, calling it a victory for decency and respect, while critics say it could set a new precedent for government involvement in the media.
Obama’s Pattern of Criticizing Trump
This is not Obama’s first attack on President Trump.
In recent months, the former president has slammed the administration for:
- Federalizing local police to restore law and order in crime-plagued cities.
- Deploying the military to quell violent riots and protect communities.
- Taking a tough stance on left-wing activists and radical organizations.
Many conservatives view these actions as necessary steps to protect the nation, while Obama and his allies see them as power grabs.
Why This Matters
The clash over Kimmel’s removal isn’t just about a late-night comedian.
It’s about who controls the narrative in America.
With the nation still reeling from the tragic loss of Charlie Kirk, tensions are at an all-time high.
As the 2024 election approaches, this fight will shape the future of free speech, media accountability, and the balance of power between government and the press.
