18.09.2025 20:26
From internet sources, top Democratic figures have voiced strong accusations, suggesting that the suspension of talk show host Jimmy Kimmel from ABC, a Disney subsidiary, was a calculated move orchestrated by Donald Trump and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. These accusations extend to allegations of a potential "corrupt pay-to-play scheme."
In a significant statement released on Thursday, six prominent Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, and Representative Pete Aguilar, asserted that Carr had engaged in the "corrupt abuse of power." They further contended that he had "disgraced the office he holds by bullying ABC" and consequently demanded his immediate resignation.
These lawmakers are scrutinizing whether this action was a component of a "corrupt pay-to-play scheme," and they have hinted at the possibility of issuing congressional subpoenas to "media companies" to uncover the definitive reasons behind Kimmel's indefinite suspension on Wednesday. While the Democrats have not elaborated on the specifics of this alleged scheme, it is noteworthy that Nexstar Media Group, which previously removed "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" from its ABC-affiliated stations, prompting ABC's parent company, the Walt Disney Company, to cancel the program, is currently seeking FCC approval for a substantial $6.2 billion merger with the broadcast group Tegna.
Further complicating the situation, Chairman Carr had previously issued veiled threats regarding potential repercussions for media entities associated with Kimmel's program. During a podcast appearance on Wednesday, Carr indicated that certain companies would need to "take action, frankly, on Kimmel, or there’s going to be additional work for the FCC ahead." Adding to the chorus of criticism, several other influential Democrats have characterized the Trump administration's involvement in the Kimmel controversy as a flagrant infringement on freedom of speech. Notably, former President Barack Obama tweeted on Thursday, lamenting that "after years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to…"
