Here we are again.
Today, the President and First Lady demanded that ABC’s leadership “take a stand” and “immediately fire” Jimmy Kimmel. Their demands follow the same old, tired, authoritarian playbook: use the weight of government to pressure media outlets to silence speech it disfavors and chip away at First Amendment protections.
Our answer remains the same: No. We will not obey in advance. And ABC must not, either. We will keep speaking with our First Amendment protections, and we support everyone to do the same.
In America, satire is not a crime. The right to mock, to challenge, and yes, to offend those in power, is foundational to democracy. From late-night television to political cartoons, comedy has long served as a powerful tool to expose hypocrisy, provoke debate, and drive accountability.
A government that seeks revenge and punishment against those who dare to criticize it does not stop on its own. It stops when we refuse to comply. Last year, we saw people across this nation rise up and make their voices heard after Jimmy Kimmel was pulled off air. Millions canceled their Disney subscriptions, withdrawing their support from a network that wouldn’t stand up for free speech.
Americans understood what was at stake. That moment is not over. If anything, the stakes are higher now.
This is a test — of ABC, of the press, and of our collective commitment to the First Amendment. The pressure is real. The intent is unmistakable. But we have been here before, and we know what is required from all of us. Speak up. Push back. Do not capitulate. Do not be silent.