"Kimmel choked up when discussing the violence and praised Kirk's widow, Erika. But he also warned his viewers- an audience four times larger than usual-that Trump and his cronies are threatening free speech in all its forms: "Our leader celebrates Americans losing their jobs, because he can't take a joke," Kimmel said. But "he's not stopping. And it's not just comedy." True to form, Trump has since threatened to sue ABC for bringing Kimmel back, as if it were illegal not to like him."
"Kimmel's refusal to capitulate stands out because so many other well-situated people-those with the resources, platform, and power to stand up to the president, including, initially, the leaders of ABC-have surrendered, withdrawn, or become Trump sycophants themselves. One by one, American leaders supposedly committed to principles of free speech, due process, democracy, and equality have abandoned those ideals when menaced by the Trump administration."
Jimmy Kimmel returned to ABC after a suspension and delivered an emotional monologue condemning intimidation and praising Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika. He warned that President Trump and his allies are threatening free speech and celebrated Americans losing jobs because the president 'can't take a joke.' Trump threatened to sue ABC for reinstating Kimmel. Many well-positioned people, including ABC leaders initially, surrendered or acquiesced to the administration's pressure. These repeated acts of cowardice have magnified the appearance of Trump’s power, weakened potential resistance, and increased the risk to constitutional government. Defending democracy requires collective refusal to accept lawless behavior across institutions.
Read at The Atlantic
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