White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt appeared on Kayleigh McEnany’s Fox News show to address former President Barack Obama’s comments on the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live. Obama criticized the administration, alleging it threatens media companies to silence unfavorable voices, calling it a First Amendment violation. He urged media to resist such coercion.
Leavitt dismissed Obama’s claims as uninformed, stating that ABC’s decision to suspend Kimmel was independent, not influenced by President Trump or the White House. She recounted being with Trump in the UK when the news broke, claiming he was unaware of the decision. Leavitt argued the suspension stemmed from Kimmel’s choice to “knowingly lie” about a respected figure’s death during a time of national mourning, leading to consequences.
Disney, ABC’s parent company, confirmed the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live. Nexstar Media Group, owning numerous ABC affiliates, announced it would preempt the show, citing Kimmel’s remarks about Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin. Sinclair Broadcast Group also dropped the program.
