**After ABC Suspends Jimmy Kimmel’s Show, Democrats Denounce FCC Threats and Unveil Free Speech Bill**
*AYLESBURY, England (AP)* — ABC suspended comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show following a threat from the head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In response, congressional Democrats have condemned the Trump administration’s actions against political critics and introduced a bill aimed at strengthening free speech protections from government officials.
While the bill faces slim chances of progressing in the Republican-controlled Congress, Democrats sharply criticized the administration’s pressure on ABC, which came after Kimmel’s remarks regarding Republican responses to the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk.
Earlier this week, Kimmel said, “many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalize on” the assassination and accused President Donald Trump’s political supporters of attempting to portray the accused attacker “as anything other than one of them.”
Following these comments, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr described Kimmel’s remarks as “truly sick” and indicated that the FCC could hold Walt Disney Co., ABC’s parent company, accountable for spreading misinformation. Disney is currently seeking FCC approval for ESPN’s acquisition of the NFL Network.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called for Carr’s dismissal.
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### Senate Majority Leader Advocates for Increased Lawmaker Security Funding
Sen. John Thune, the top Senate Republican, proposed amending Senate rules to allow senators to use congressional funds to address security concerns as public officials. Thune highlighted ongoing collaboration with Capitol Police to expand security options for senators and praised discussions aimed at increasing funding for lawmaker safety. Concerns over elected officials’ security have intensified following the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
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### Elected Officials Arrested During Protest at Manhattan Immigration Facility
More than a dozen elected officials, including New York City’s fiscal watchdog and state lawmakers, were arrested Thursday while protesting at a Manhattan immigration holding facility. The protest targeted conditions at the facility, which a federal judge recently ordered the government to improve due to overcrowding and unsanitary conditions.
Eleven officials were detained inside the building as they attempted to inspect holding rooms involved in ongoing litigation. Authorities prevented access and arrested the group amid media coverage.
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### FCC Commissioner Criticizes Chair’s Threats as Government Censorship
Anna M. Gomez, the lone Democratic FCC commissioner, condemned Chairman Brendan Carr’s threat to crack down on ABC as an act of “government censorship and control” that undermines democracy. Gomez criticized ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel as a “shameful show of cowardly corporate capitulation,” warning that any FCC talk of revoking broadcast licenses damages free speech by forcing networks to conform to ideological government demands.
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### Trump’s UN Ambassador Pick Could Be Confirmed Soon
Mike Waltz, President Trump’s nominee to serve as ambassador to the United Nations, is poised for confirmation ahead of the General Assembly in New York next week. Senate Majority Leader John Thune took procedural steps to schedule votes this weekend, ideally moving them to Friday to avoid weekend Senate sessions. Waltz’s nomination previously required a re-vote in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, passing by an 11-10 margin.
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### Over 580 Groups Condemn Political Violence and Government Retaliation Post-Kirk Assassination
More than 580 organizations, including the ACLU, Public Citizen, and Indivisible, signed a letter condemning the assassination of Charlie Kirk and all forms of political violence. They decried efforts to weaponize the government against nonprofits and perceived adversaries, emphasizing that government powers should not be used to threaten constitutionally protected free speech and rights.
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### Kamala Harris Accuses Trump Administration of Silencing Critics Through Fear
Former Vice President Kamala Harris accused the Trump administration of employing fear tactics to silence dissent. Her remarks followed ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel, who commented on Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
Harris stated on X, “This administration is attacking critics and using fear as a weapon to silence anyone who would speak out,” while lamenting media outlets’ “capitulation” to such threats.
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### Trump Urges House Republicans to Support Stopgap Government Funding
President Trump claimed on social media that Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, want a government shutdown, while Republicans aim to keep government functioning. The Republican-controlled House is expected to vote on a temporary funding bill as early as Friday, extending government funding past the September 30 budget deadline to allow more time for policy negotiations.
Trump urged, “Every House Republican should UNIFY, and VOTE YES!”
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### White House Withdraws Veteran Water Expert’s Nomination Amid Colorado River Negotiations
Ted Cooke, a seasoned water expert from Arizona, reported that the Trump administration withdrew his nomination to lead the Bureau of Reclamation, which manages Western water resources. Cooke was preparing for a Senate confirmation hearing when his name was unexpectedly removed due to an unspecified background check issue.
He suspects political motivations and said, “I’ve been sacrificed on the altar of political expediency because of party politics and maybe Colorado River basin intrigues.”
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### Senate Confirms 48 of Trump’s Nominees After Procedural Rule Changes
The Senate confirmed 48 of President Trump’s nominees in a single vote, following new rules designed to expedite confirmations and bypass Democratic stalling tactics. These rule changes facilitate approval of multiple lower-level, non-judicial nominees via simple majority votes, though they do not apply to judicial or Cabinet-level positions.
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### D.C. Councilmember Robert White Announces Run for Congress
Robert White, a D.C. Council member, announced his candidacy for Congress, challenging Eleanor Holmes Norton, who has long served as the District’s non-voting delegate. White cited the federal takeover of the city’s police amid heavy federal troop presence as a motivating factor, stating, “I have never seen my city more vulnerable than right now.”
Norton has resisted calls to retire and continues to serve despite lacking a congressional vote.
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### Sen. Mark Warner Criticizes DNI Tulsi Gabbard for Politicizing Intelligence Service
Sen. Mark Warner, top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, accused Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard of undermining national security by politicizing intelligence operations. Warner condemned recent personnel cuts, firings of veteran officers, and revocation of security clearances affecting 37 current and former intelligence officials.
He also accused Gabbard of allowing conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer to influence intelligence decisions. Gabbard’s office declined comment. Gabbard has stated her goal is to depoliticize intelligence and refocus agencies on core missions.
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### Trump Raises Possibility of a ‘Vast Terrorist Movement’ in the U.S.
When asked about a possible vast terrorist network responsible for the killing of Charlie Kirk and prior attempts on his life, President Trump replied, “You never know,” adding, “We’ll find out, maybe.”
He also announced plans to designate antifa—a loosely organized far-left militant movement—as a “major terrorist organization,” stating, “We’re going in and we’re saying they incite riots, and therefore you go to jail for one year.”
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### Speaker Johnson Urges Unanimous House Support for Resolution Honoring Charlie Kirk
As the House prepared to vote on a resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, Speaker Mike Johnson called for unanimous support, stressing Congress must send a united message condemning political violence. The resolution is expected to be voted on Friday following a week of heightened congressional tensions post-assassination.
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### U.S. Vetoes U.N. Security Council Resolution Calling for Gaza Ceasefire
The United States vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. All 14 other members voted in favor, labeling the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as “catastrophic” and urging Israel to lift aid restrictions.
The veto underscores U.S. and Israeli diplomatic isolation on the nearly two-year conflict, ahead of the upcoming U.N. General Assembly where Gaza will be a major topic.
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### Trump Criticizes Europe for Continuing to Buy Russian Oil
President Trump criticized European countries that maintain purchases of Russian energy, remarking, “You can’t have Europe buying oil from Russia and then have me getting upset with China because they’re buying oil from Russia.”
He reiterated his dissatisfaction with nations still depending on Russian oil ahead of his return to the United States.
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### Trump Declines to Comment on Whether Russian Drone Incursion Was a ‘Mistake’
Trump refrained from speculating whether recent Russian drone violations of NATO airspace were a “mistake,” stating, “I can’t comment on whether it was a mistake,” while affirming, “They shouldn’t have been there.”
His statement followed earlier remarks suggesting a mistake and was denounced by Polish officials.
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### ‘The View’ Co-Hosts Remain Silent on Jimmy Kimmel Suspension
Despite routinely discussing major issues, ABC’s “The View” co-hosts did not address the suspension of their network colleague Jimmy Kimmel. This contrasted with their outspoken commentary on the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s show in July.
Fans expressed frustration on social media during co-host Haines’ birthday, urging her to speak out.
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### Trump Says ‘Anybody’ Can Replace Jimmy Kimmel
When asked about potential replacements for Jimmy Kimmel, Trump responded dismissively, “Anybody can replace him. The guy had no talent.” ABC announced the suspension of Kimmel’s show following his comments on Charlie Kirk.
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### Trump Claims Responsibility for London Mayor’s Absence at State Dinner
Trump stated he requested London Mayor Sadiq Khan not be invited to the UK state dinner held at Windsor Castle. Trump and Khan have had a contentious relationship, though there was no prior expectation that Khan would attend.
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### Marine One Makes Unscheduled Landing Due to ‘Minor Hydraulic Issue’
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reported that Marine One encountered a “minor hydraulic issue” en route to Stansted Airport after Trump’s visit to the UK. Trump and First Lady Melania transferred to a backup helicopter to complete the journey and safely boarded Air Force One for the flight home. No injuries were reported.
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### Pete Buttigieg Rallies Against Redistricting in Indiana
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg voiced opposition to Republican-led redistricting efforts in his home state of Indiana. Speaking at the statehouse in Indianapolis, Buttigieg said, “Indiana Republicans are being pressured by Washington Republicans to do something that they know in their hearts is wrong.”
He called for resistance despite limited Democratic power in the state legislature.
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### Senate Sends Bipartisan Fentanyl Addiction Bill to Trump’s Desk
The Senate passed a bipartisan bill renewing federal programs addressing opioid addiction, originally established by a 2018 law. Sen. Maggie Hassan highlighted improvements in prevention and treatment and called for continued efforts against the crisis.
The bill had already passed the House with strong bipartisan support.
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### Trump Again Calls for Revoking TV Licenses Over ‘Negative’ Coverage
On Air Force One, Trump reiterated his frustration with media coverage, claiming “97%” was negative toward him. He suggested that broadcast licenses should be revoked and pointed to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr as responsible for action.
Carr was praised by Trump as “a patriot” and “a tough guy” for his stance against ABC following Kimmel’s comments.
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### Legal Experts Suggest Jimmy Kimmel Has Strong Case Against FCC Chair but May Avoid Lawsuit
Free speech experts believe Jimmy Kimmel could mount a strong legal challenge against Brendan Carr, especially after the Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling affirming that public officials cannot punish speech through power or private intermediaries. Justice Sonia Sotomayor emphasized that the First Amendment prohibits such selective punishment.
Columbia University’s Alex Abdo described Carr’s threats as “the definition of unconstitutional coercion.” However, law professor Eugene Volokh noted Kimmel might avoid suing due to business and contractual considerations. Volokh concluded, “This just isn’t something the chair of the FCC ought to be doing, policing comedy shows.”
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