Posting on X, previously known as Twitter, on Thursday (Friday morning AEST), Obama expressed concern, describing the situation as “exactly the type of government interference the First Amendment is meant to safeguard against.”

However Trump argued Kimmel’s show was pulled because of “bad ratings”.

Moreover, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) commented by labeling Kimmel’s remarks as “utterly inappropriate,” and suggested that the agency has substantial grounds for holding Kimmel, ABC, and its parent company, Walt Disney Co., responsible for disseminating false information.

“Local broadcasters have an obligation to serve the public interest,” FCC chairman Brendan Carr said.

“Though this may be a groundbreaking move, it is crucial for broadcasters to challenge Disney programming if it is deemed inconsistent with community standards,” he emphasized.

Kimmel has yet to respond, as his contract remains in effect until May 2026. ABC did not provide a specific reason in their announcement of the show’s suspension.