White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt appeared on Fox News’ Saturday in America with Kayleigh McEnany to address recent comments by former President Barack Obama. Obama had expressed concern about alleged government pressure on media companies, specifically referencing the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live.
He warned that such actions could threaten First Amendment protections and urged media outlets to maintain independence. Leavitt strongly pushed back, calling Obama’s remarks out of touch. She clarified that the decision to suspend Kimmel’s show was made entirely by ABC executives, with no influence from the White House or President Trump.
Leavitt explained that she was with the president in the United Kingdom when the suspension news broke and personally informed him of the situation. According to her, the president had no prior knowledge, highlighting that the administration was not involved. Leavitt added that ABC made the decision after Kimmel made what she described as a knowingly false statement on-air, during a sensitive time of national mourning.
The network determined that consequences were warranted, independent of political influence. Disney, ABC’s parent company, confirmed the suspension. Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group also announced they would no longer air the program on ABC-affiliated stations, citing concerns over Kimmel’s recent remarks. Leavitt concluded by emphasizing the importance of separating media decisions from government interference, stating that the suspension reflected corporate responsibility rather than political pressure. Her remarks directly challenged Obama’s claims, framing the decision as an independent action by media executives.
