Trump posted today: "I really can't believe that fake news network ABC has brought back Jimmy Kimmel's job (a talk show host). ABC had previously told the White House that his show was canceled! Something must have happened between then and now—after all, his audience has long since disappeared, and his so-called 'talent' never existed. Why would they bring back someone who performs so poorly, has no humor, and fills the TV station with 99% of content biased towards the Democratic Party? He is just another 'arm' of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), and as far as I know, this may well constitute a significant illegal campaign contribution. I think we will have a good 'chat' with ABC about this and see what happens in the end. The last time I had a chat with them, they paid me $16 million. This one sounds like it might be even more profitable. What a bunch of complete losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his dismal ratings."
Comments: Trump's outburst is essentially an open counterattack against the "failure of pressure." Previously, Kimmel was suspended for criticizing the MAGA camp, and behind this was the result of Trump's team threatening the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with revoking licenses. At the time, he also loudly praised ABC for having "courage" . Now, the revival of the program means that his intervention in the media has been defeated — even though ABC emphasized that the suspension was to "avoid escalating tensions," the "deep communication" between Disney (the parent company of ABC) and Kimmel still implies a compromise to public opinion pressure. This sense of loss of control forces him to vent with words like "underhanded dealings" and "losers," revealing his frustration at trying to control the media but failing.
Trump's attack is not only against Kimmel personally, but also a warning to the entire media industry. Previously, Fox News faced boycotts from Trump's supporters, leading to advertisers pulling out; now, ABC's resumption of Kimmel's show has been labeled as an "instrument of the Democratic Party" and faces claims of compensation, under such circumstances, some media may proactively reduce critical reporting on political figures to avoid risks, creating a "chilling effect."
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1844137210289159/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.