Jon Stewart has joined the growing wave of late-night hosts speaking out after Jimmy Kimmel Live! was pulled from the air following controversial comments made about President Trump. The suspension came after Kimmel mocked Trump’s response to the death of Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was tragically shot during a debate at Utah Valley University on September 10.
In his monologue, Kimmel criticized Trump’s deflection of the topic to discussing a new White House ballroom, comparing his response to a child grieving a goldfish. This prompted backlash, with some calling for Kimmel’s firing, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), led by a Trump appointee, hinting at regulatory actions against ABC if the network didn’t address Kimmel’s remarks.
In response, Stewart, during a special Thursday appearance on The Daily Show, defended Kimmel—indirectly, of course—while also mocking the broader situation. Stewart joked about the current state of free speech, calling it “determined by the niceness to the President.” He also referred to Trump as “our dear leader” and criticized the ongoing consolidation of power under the administration.
Stewart continued, commenting on how some might see these speech concerns as “a cynical ploy,” a smokescreen for a broader agenda of power consolidation. He quipped, “Not me though… I think it’s great.”
His appearance garnered attention, with viewers noting that his return to The Daily Show on a Thursday instead of his usual Monday slot was a clear sign that something significant was happening. Fans praised his biting satire, with one YouTube commenter jokingly asking, “If there is a show next year… If there is a network next year… If there is an Emmy next year… If there is an America next year…”
