(Crankers) White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said former President Barack Obama has “no idea what he’s talking about” in response to his criticism of the Trump administration over the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! by ABC. Leavitt’s comments came during an appearance on Fox News’ Saturday in America.
The controversy began when former President Obama criticized the Trump administration on X, stating that it threatened regulatory action against media companies that do not censor unfavorable content or commentators. The ABC suspension of Kimmel’s show occurred after Kimmel’s monologue about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, where he appeared to link the suspected killer to the MAGA movement. Prior to the suspension, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr had suggested potential consequences for stations airing Kimmel’s program.
Leavitt denied that the White House was involved in ABC’s decision, claiming President Trump had no prior knowledge of it and that she was with him in the U.K. when the news broke. She stated that ABC executives acted independently because Kimmel “chose to knowingly lie to his audience” during a period of national mourning and also mentioned that his ratings were low.
Leavitt reiterated that ABC executives made the decision without White House pressure. She noted that Trump is “pleased with this decision” but was not involved. Speaking to Fox News host Kayleigh McEnany, Leavitt confirmed that the decision did not originate from the White House and that the president applied no pressure.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! was suspended indefinitely by Disney, its parent company, after the controversy and decisions by broadcast groups to drop the show. Leavitt’s remarks were made during a media appearance, not on Kimmel’s show.