Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension wasn’t the result of audience backlash, it was forced through pressure from the Trump administration’s FCC. In this video, we break down how government actors leaned on private broadcasters, why the free speech implications are bigger than just one late-night host, and how this moment fits into a broader pattern of political suppression.

Luke unpacks the hypocrisy of conservatives who once cried foul over censorship but are now weaponizing regulatory power to silence critics. He also connects this controversy to the right’s larger plan to dominate media, punish political opponents, and consolidate control.

This isn’t about defending Kimmel as a comedian, it’s about recognizing how easily power can be abused to shape the national conversation. If comedians and networks can be punished for mild criticism, what comes next?

Learn more, and join in on the conversation on Luke’s Substack: https://lthomas.substack.com/

Chapters

00:00 Kimmel suspension explained

01:00 Trump FCC pressures networks

02:10 Conservative hypocrisy on speech

03:15 Comparing Fox News settlement

04:20 Why this threatens free speech

05:30 Rogan and Musk’s role in debate

06:20 Passport bill and repression

07:15 Defending Kimmel reluctantly

08:00 Right’s selective outrage

09:00 Consolidation of media power

10:20 What this means for 2026 election

11:30 Final warning on free speech future

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