SPOKANE, Wash. – The recent removal of Jimmy Kimmel from the airwaves has drawn reactions from both sides of the political spectrum, including Spokane City Council members Jonathan Bingle and Paul Dillon.
Republican Senator Rand Paul expressed his disapproval of the FCC Chair’s comments on ‘Meet the Press.’ He described the remarks threatening to take action against ABC as “absolutely inappropriate.”
Kimmel was taken off air after making comments about Republicans’ response to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. This action led to outrage from Democrats and free speech advocates.
Councilman Bingle shared his thoughts on the situation. He mentioned that while he didn’t support Kimmel or his comments, he is concerned about the direction this action might take.
“We don’t want the federal government being the arbiter of truth and forcing people off the air or intimating that they could force people off the air just for not adopting the preferred speech of the current administration,” he said. “That is a really bad direction for us to go as a country and I will oppose that no matter who it and no matter who is in power.”
Councilman Paul Dillon also spoke out, issuing a statement to NonStop Local KHQ. “This is not about debate… it’s about dominance and obedience to Trump,” he said. “This is more than just about free speech – this is about authoritarianism.”
Dillon emphasized the need for a focus on building a Spokane and a country that works for all, not just the wealthy few. He stressed the importance of working together for economic, social, racial and environmental justice.
Meanwhile, President Trump and his supporters have praised ABC and its parent company Disney for their decision. Trump commented on Kimmel’s removal.
“Jimmy Kimmel is not a talented person he had very bad ratings and they should have fired him a long time ago,” Trump said. “So you know you can call that free speech or not he was fired for lack of talent.”
Trump also stated on Friday that his administration should consider revoking the licenses of television stations he believes are “against” him.
