FCC Targeting ‘The View’ After Jimmy Kimmel Suspension

The Federal Communications Commission, led by Trump-appointed chairman Brendan Carr, has signaled that ABC’s “The View” may soon face regulatory scrutiny—just days after the network abruptly suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show. Critics warn this is the clearest sign yet of government intimidation of the press in Trump’s second term.

ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! earlier this week after the comedian blasted MAGA supporters in the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination. During his Monday monologue, Kimmel called out “the MAGA gang desperately trying to spin the killing for political points.”

Within 48 hours, Nexstar Media Group, which owns dozens of ABC affiliates and is seeking FCC approval for a major merger, announced it would no longer air Kimmel’s program.

“This is some of the sickest conduct possible,” Carr told a right-wing podcaster on Wednesday, cheering the cancellation.

President Trump quickly celebrated on Truth Social: “Great News for America: The ratings-challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED… Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.”

Carr then went a step further, telling conservative hosts that it may be “worthwhile” for the FCC to investigate whether “The View” still qualifies as a “bona fide news program” under federal law. If stripped of that classification, ABC would be legally required to give Trump’s political rivals equal airtime when his critics appear on the show.

“The View has been in the crosshairs of this administration,” Carr said, singling out co-host Joy Behar for her relentless criticism of Trump.

ABC, which houses the daytime talk show within its news division, has not responded to the threat. The program is now in its 29th season and has long been a cultural flashpoint in American politics.

Democratic leaders accused Trump and his allies of weaponizing the FCC to silence dissent.

California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote on X: “Buying and controlling media platforms. Firing commentators. Canceling shows. These aren’t coincidences. It’s coordinated. And it’s dangerous.”

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) was even blunter: “I call for Brendan Carr’s resignation. Trump—through his lapdog chair of the FCC—is creating fear and intimidation that serve authoritarian power.”

Late-night rival Stephen Colbert, whose show ends next year after being canceled by CBS, also defended Kimmel: “Tonight, we are all Jimmy Kimmel. With an autocrat, you cannot give an inch.”

Industry analysts warn that if the FCC moves against “The View,” it could trigger an unprecedented wave of government control over entertainment and commentary programs.

“This is not about equal time—it’s about silencing opposition,” said media historian Ellen Schrecker. “The chilling effect is obvious. Networks are being pushed to censor criticism of Trump before regulators even act.”

The FCC has not yet launched a formal investigation, but the mere suggestion has already rattled broadcasters and energized Democrats heading into the 2026 midterms.

For now, Jimmy Kimmel remains off the air indefinitely—and “The View” may be the next target in Trump’s escalating war on the media.