Ep.026 / Jimmy Kimmel, Free Speech, FCC & Trump
Who really has free speech in America? In this episode of HOT AIR, we dive into the history of free speech, how it’s defined, and why it seems to only work for some people. From Jimmy Kimmel’s cancellation after calling out Charlie Kirk, to the political pressure from Trump and his allies, to the corporations and networks pulling the strings—it’s all about power, money, and control.
What Is Free Speech, Really?
The phrase “free speech” gets tossed around constantly—especially on Twitter, TikTok, and cable news. But let’s be clear: free speech in the U.S. is rooted in the First Amendment, which states that the government cannot restrict speech. That doesn’t mean there are no limits. Courts have carved out categories of protected speech and unprotected speech.
Protected Free Speech Includes:
Political Speech: Criticizing the president, protesting government policies, or supporting controversial movements. This is usually the most protected form of speech.
Artistic Expression: Drag performances, satirical sketches, paintings criticizing religion—these are generally protected.
Offensive or Unpopular Opinions: Saying “I don’t support same-sex marriage” or “capitalism is evil” cannot get you punished by the government.
Symbolic Speech: Kneeling during the national anthem or burning a flag in protest.
Criticism of Religion or Institutions: Calling out harmful practices in organized religion or stating personal disbeliefs.
Unprotected Free Speech Includes:
Incitement to Imminent Lawless Action: Threatening to commit a crime immediately.
True Threats: Direct threats of violence toward someone.
Harassment or Targeted Bullying: Repeated messages meant to harm or intimidate.
Defamation (Libel and Slander): Publishing knowingly false claims that damage reputations.
Obscenity and Child Pornography: Narrowly defined, illegal content with no protection under the law.
Gray Areas:
Hate Speech: Protected unless it crosses into threats or incitement.
Misinformation: False opinions are protected; fraudulent lies that cause harm are not.
Private Platforms: Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and others can moderate content under their own rules—this is not a First Amendment violation unless the government is directly involved.
How People Are Still Being Silenced in 2025
Even in 2025, voices are being muted. Whether it’s governments, corporations, or social pressure, people continue to face censorship:
Journalists jailed for reporting inconvenient truths.
Content creators demonetized or banned on YouTube and TikTok.
Comedians losing platforms because their jokes ruffle the wrong feathers.
Examples:
Zoe Zephyr, Montana’s first openly trans legislator, had her microphone cut during legislative sessions. She was literally removed from the floor for speaking her truth.
Texas public libraries: LGBTQ+ and racially themed books were removed, pending a federal judge’s order to restore them.
Meta’s content moderation: Posts defending trans rights often denied boosts, while posts disparaging trans identity frequently remain.
Even school plays with LGBTQ+ content have been canceled due to political pressure. High schools in Florida, Indiana, and Ohio have pulled productions because of “controversial” themes.
The Jimmy Kimmel Cancellation: How Power, Politics, and Money Collide
Let’s get to the big headline: Jimmy Kimmel. He made comments about Charlie Kirk after Kirk’s death that some conservative figures deemed offensive. The reaction? ABC suspended Kimmel, affiliates like Nexstar pulled the show, and the FCC, chaired by a Trump appointee, cast a shadow over the network. Trump publicly cheered the suspension.
Simplifying it: Think of it as a row of dominoes:
Kimmel makes a controversial statement.
ABC reacts to advertisers, affiliates, and regulators by suspending the show.
Nexstar pulls the program from local stations to avoid backlash.
The FCC, influenced by Trump, creates potential consequences.
Trump cheers, sending a clear signal that networks must comply.
The end result? Kimmel’s free speech is effectively curtailed—not by law, but by corporate fear, political pressure, and money.
Meanwhile, conservative figures like Charlie Kirk can make blatantly homophobic or racist statements and face minimal consequences. This is free speech for some, not everyone.
Money and Media Control
At the heart of it all is money. Networks rely on advertisers. Affiliates don’t want regulatory retaliation. Trump knows how to leverage both. The fear of losing revenue and facing political pressure leads to self-censorship, even for late-night comedians whose job is to critique power.
This isn’t just an American problem—it’s how media operates in countries like Russia and China, where the government fully controls the narrative. When the powerful control information, accountability disappears.
What This Means for LGBTQ+ Voices
If someone like Jimmy Kimmel can be silenced so quickly, imagine the risks for marginalized voices:
Pride ads pulled from television due to fear of controversy.
Drag Queen Story Hour banned in states like Tennessee.
Queer creators on TikTok or Instagram facing algorithmic suppression.
As Audre Lorde said, “Your silence will not protect you.” When systems enforce silence, it harms entire communities, not just the speaker.
The Double Standard of Free Speech
Here’s a striking example: Charlie Kirk once said “gay people are a middle finger to God” and made other extreme statements about religion and race. Minimal consequences followed.
Contrast that with a gay man, trans woman, or Black individual calling out that rhetoric—it’s dismissed, laughed at, or censored. This is a clear double standard: free speech for the powerful, silence for the marginalized.
Trump’s rhetoric even encourages hate speech for some, claiming he’s “restoring free speech,” while LGBTQ+ voices and other minorities face growing restrictions.
How to Protect Yourself and Seek Truth
The Kimmel situation underscores the need to consume news from multiple sources, amplify marginalized voices, and do your own research.
Read from different political perspectives.
Follow independent journalists and smaller outlets.
Seek international coverage for a broader context.
Amplify voices from LGBTQ+, Black, and disabled communities.
By actively seeking diverse perspectives, you resist the curated, filtered narratives of mainstream media.
Why This Matters
Free speech is fragile, and those who need it most—minorities, dissidents, artists—are often the first to feel the crackdown.
Who decides what’s “too offensive”?
Who benefits from canceling someone?
What voices are lost forever when silence becomes the norm?
The Jimmy Kimmel firing is a cautionary tale: money, political influence, and corporate fear can mute even the most widely recognized voices. For marginalized communities, the implications are even more severe.
Conclusion
Whether it’s late-night hosts, drag performers, or queer TikTok creators, the struggle is the same: our words matter, but they’re under constant threat. Free speech isn’t truly free if it only applies to the powerful.
Stay vigilant. Diversify your media sources, question headlines, and amplify voices that challenge the status quo. Only then can we protect free speech for everyone, not just for those who hold power.