White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt appeared on Fox News’ Saturday in America with Kayleigh McEnany to respond to recent criticism from former President Barack Obama. Obama had expressed concern over what he described as government pressure on media companies, referencing the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Obama claimed on social media that the current administration was engaging in coercive tactics by allegedly threatening media outlets, potentially violating First Amendment protections. He urged media organizations not to yield to such pressure and to stand up for journalistic independence.
In her response, Leavitt pushed back strongly, calling Obama’s remarks out of touch. She clarified that the decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel’s show was made solely by ABC executives, not influenced by the White House or President Trump. Leavitt emphasized that the administration had no involvement in the matter.
Leavitt provided specific details, saying she was with President Trump in the United Kingdom when the news broke and personally informed him about the development. She insisted that the president was unaware of the situation until she brought it to his attention, further supporting her claim that the administration played no role in the decision.
She argued that the network’s decision came after Kimmel made what she described as a knowingly false statement on-air, during a time when the country was mourning. According to Leavitt, ABC determined that his actions warranted consequences, independent of any political influence.
Disney, the parent company of ABC, confirmed the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live. Additionally, Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group announced they would no longer air the program on their ABC-affiliated stations, citing concerns over recent remarks made by Kimmel.
