Jon Stewart Delivers Satirical Tribute to Trump Amid Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension
Jon Stewart hosted a rare midweek Daily Show on September 18, 2025. He discussed ABC’s cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live! Kimmel’s program was canceled after he made cruel comments about the #MAGA movement and Charlie Kirk’s death. Because of this, anger and control calls increased.
Stewart’s show changed when he made fun of and praised Trump. Stewart sat down with a crimson tie like Trump’s on a gold background. He called the broadcast a “government-approved” program to mock government media control. He joked about calling Trump “our dear leader” and “sun god.” to express his concerns about media politics.
Stewart mocked the “talent-o-meter,” a bogus instrument the president uses to assess media loyalty. He mocked broadcasters’ political obedience by saying that those who disagree with the administration would be punished. Press demands like Stewart’s could make it harder for people to speak out and reporters to do their jobs.
Many late-night TV and media stars have opposed Kimmel’s cancellation. Stephen Colbert called it “blatant censorship,” but Jimmy Fallon added, “I hope he comes back.” Both David Letterman and Seth Meyers expressed their anxieties and highlighted the need of free speech and fighting totalitarianism. Some argue Kimmel’s treatment is part of a media effort to muzzle dissenters.
Some compare it to McCarthy’s techniques of silencing political opponents, while others compare it to media censorship. Free speech and media freedom are being debated more. The entertainment sector is also seeking to reconcile political power with journalistic ethics.
Sources
Entertainment Weekly
Politico
The Guardian
Rolling Stone
New York Post
