Karoline Leavitt Shreds Obama After His

Obama Speaks Out on Kimmel Suspension

Former President Barack Obama criticized the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live, accusing the Trump administration of exerting pressure on media companies.

He argued that despite frequent complaints about “cancel culture,” the current administration has gone further, using government influence to silence voices. On X, Obama wrote that this represents exactly the kind of state interference the First Amendment was created to prevent.

White House Responds

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt pushed back during a Fox News appearance, dismissing Obama’s claims.

She insisted President Trump was unaware of the suspension until she informed him during his overseas trip, emphasizing that the White House had no involvement.

Reason for Suspension

Leavitt claimed ABC made the decision independently, pointing to Kimmel’s alleged “knowingly false” remarks concerning the death of “a highly respected man.”

Network Actions

Disney confirmed ABC’s suspension of the late-night show. In addition, major broadcast groups Nexstar and Sinclair announced they were pulling the program from their schedules.

Broader Tensions

The dispute highlights growing clashes between politics, media, and freedom of speech, with Obama warning of government overreach and the White House insisting networks acted on their own.