All In with Chris Hayes Widespread backlash as Trump cheers Kimmel suspension
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Sep 19, 2025 
Tim Walz, the Governor of Minnesota and a potential 2024 vice presidential candidate, dives into the chilling implications of Jimmy Kimmel's suspension and its threats to democracy. He labels the actions against Kimmel as authoritarian and highlights the need for state-level defenses against federal overreach. The discussion also touches on the backlash from conservative podcasters condemning this media suppression and the concerning trend of politicized investigations, including dubious mortgage fraud allegations targeting political adversaries.
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State Pressure Chills Broadcast Criticism
- The Trump administration's pressure on broadcasters after Jimmy Kimmel's joke represents an unprecedented state threat to free speech.
- FCC Chair Brendan Carr's explicit demand and affiliates' capitulation reveal regulatory power can be used to chill criticism.
Minnesota Governor Warns Of Authoritarian Tactics
- Governor Tim Walz compared the administration's tactics to "North Korea style" managed media and warned democracy is at risk.
- He framed the suspension of Kimmel as authoritarian bullying that Democrats and conservatives should resist.
Former 'Anti-Cancel' Voices Push Back
- Right-leaning podcasters and commentators who once decried "cancel culture" criticized Kimmel's suspension, showing free-speech solidarity can cut across politics.
- This moment exposes tension between being insurgent outsiders and wielding incumbent power.