Stephen Colbert has voiced his concerns regarding censorship in the United States following the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel due to his remarks about Donald Trump and Charlie Kirk.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been placed on an ‘indefinite’ suspension after Kimmel commented that ‘many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk’.
The show has been on air since 2003, but its future is uncertain following the host’s suspension.
Donald Trump responded to the situation and suggested that other talk show hosts like Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers should also have their shows canceled.
In other statements, the president has threatened to revoke licenses from networks that broadcast negative comments about him.
“I have read someplace that the networks were 97 percent against me, again, 97 percent negative, and yet I won and easily, all seven swing states [in last year’s election],” Trump remarked to the press aboard Air Force One.
He further warned: “They give me only bad publicity, press. I mean, they’re getting a license. I would think maybe their license should be taken away.”
There is growing concern that Trump may be trying to suppress free speech.
Stephen Colbert is among those who have noted this issue. Addressing his audience on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, he stated: “Tonight we are all Jimmy Kimmel.”
He continued: “Yesterday after threats from Trump’s FCC [Federal Communications Commission] chair, ABC yanked Kimmel off the air indefinitely. That is blatant censorship.”
Similar views have been shared online.
“America is turning into North Korea,” one user suggested. “This is government censorship. I thought Republicans cared about freedom and cared about the First Amendment. Apparently, they just care about worshipping Trump.”
Another person questioned: “What’s the difference between this & what happens in China?”
A third commenter was outraged: “Anyone who disagrees with him gets censored.. what the actual f**k.”
Another tweet read: “Starts talking about free speech under threat in the UK… and then tries to stop free speech in the US. Make it make sense.”
However, some argue that journalism should maintain neutrality.
One person commented: “[Trump] is not far from the truth. If you must be a certified news channel, you should always be unbiased with your stories. Don’t just say only bad things about people.”
Another agreed, saying: “Yup. Agreed. Biased indoctrination, fake news. Should be illegal.”
What are your thoughts on the issue?