Mary Trump Warns of ‘Domino Effect’ After Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension Following Charlie Kirk Assassination Remarks
The suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has sparked nationwide debate, with Mary Trump, estranged niece of former President Donald Trump, warning that the move could set off a dangerous “domino effect” for free speech and media independence in the United States.
The controversy began after Kimmel commented on the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot during his “American Comeback Tour” speech at Utah Valley University on September 10. The suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, is in custody facing charges of aggravated murder. Kirk, a vocal Trump supporter, was seen as an influential figure in energizing young Republican voters.
Following Kimmel’s remarks, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr strongly suggested Disney and ABC take action. Hours later, Nexstar, which owns multiple ABC affiliates, announced it would not air Kimmel’s program. ABC then confirmed Kimmel’s suspension. Critics quickly accused the FCC of pressuring networks into censorship.
Mary Trump’s Response
Mary Trump addressed the issue in a Substack post, condemning what she called corporate media’s “capitulation” to political pressure.
She described Carr as “a sycophantic hack” serving Donald Trump’s fragile ego and said the move reflected a deeper trend toward authoritarianism. “This is the beginning of a domino effect that will continue unless someone intervenes,” she warned, arguing that corporations are not merely afraid but “complicit” in silencing opposition.
Mary Trump also highlighted journalist Jake Tapper’s reporting, which connected Nexstar’s decision to its pending merger with TEGNA. The deal requires FCC approval, leading to speculation that the company acted to avoid political obstacles. Nexstar, however, denied any government involvement, insisting the decision was made internally by its senior executives.
Why Was Kimmel Suspended?
In his monologue, Kimmel criticized efforts to politicize Kirk’s death, saying:
“We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”
Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar’s broadcasting division, defended the suspension, calling Kimmel’s words “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.” He argued that giving Kimmel a platform was “not in the public interest.”
The White House also weighed in. Spokesperson Abigail Jackson told Newsweek: “This has nothing to do with free speech. Kimmel is free to make his bad jokes, but no company is required to lose money on a low-rated show.” She pointed out that Kimmel’s ratings have dropped significantly since Trump’s return to office.
Political Backlash Across Party Lines
The suspension drew criticism from both Democrats and Republicans who see it as an attack on free expression.
Senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, warned on a podcast: “If the government gets in the business of saying, ‘We don’t like what the media says, so we’ll ban them,’ that will end badly for conservatives too.”
Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez posted to X that censorship under the guise of political violence is unacceptable, while Senator Elizabeth Warren accused Trump of using backroom deals and corporate pressure to silence dissenting voices, comparing Kimmel’s case to earlier attempts against Stephen Colbert.
Broader Implications
For Mary Trump, the suspension represents more than just one comedian’s fate it reflects a broader campaign to suppress opposition voices. She believes Americans are beginning to see “how egregiously corrupt” the system has become and called for accountability.
Disney and ABC are now facing boycotts and mounting public backlash, while Kimmel’s future on air remains uncertain. The debate over his suspension has reignited questions about censorship, corporate influence, and the fragile state of free speech in an increasingly polarized America.
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