Letters from an American: September 17, 2025

Host: Heather Cox Richardson
Theme: The history behind today’s politics as it relates to the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s show and the enduring struggle over the First Amendment and free speech in the United States.

Overview

In this episode, Heather Cox Richardson examines the breaking news of ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show following his commentary on the murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. She weaves historical context around this controversy, especially focusing on the origins of the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and ongoing threats to free speech. The episode juxtaposes modern political developments with the founding ideals of the American republic.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s Show (00:00–07:00)

• News Report: The episode opens with the New York Times report that ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel after comments on his Monday show about the murder of Charlie Kirk.
• Political Context:
  • Host notes that, per Chris Hayes (MSNBC), this follows the removal of Stephen Colbert by CBS and a prior statement by President Donald Trump predicting that Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon would be targeted next.
  • Kimmel is framed as a critical voice against the Trump administration, especially popular among younger viewers.
• Kimmel’s Commentary (Quote):
  “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.” — Jimmy Kimmel, [00:02]
• White House Reaction: Discussion of symbolic gestures, such as flying flags at half-staff, and Trump’s somewhat dismissive response.
  • Trump’s Quote:
    “I think very good. And by the way, right there you see all the trucks. They just started construction of the new ballroom for the White House, which is something they've been trying to get... for about 150 years and it's going to be a beauty.” — President Trump, [00:05]
• FCC Intervention:
  • FCC chair Brendan Carr on right-wing influencer Benny Johnson's podcast: Kimmel’s remarks are “part of a concerted effort to try to lie to the American people,” saying the FCC has “remedies” available.
  • Threats to licensed broadcasters, with possible fines or license revocation.

2. Broader Political and Media Implications (07:00–11:00)

• NexStar & ABC Reaction: NexStar, requiring FCC approval for a major merger, ceases airing Kimmel’s show; ABC suspends him.
• Origins of Suppression: Benny Johnson—whose show platformed the FCC threats—was previously identified as a propagandist funded by Russian state media.

3. Historical Parallels: The American Constitution (11:00–19:00)

• Constitution Day Parallel:
  Richardson draws a parallel to September 17, 1787, the signing of the U.S. Constitution.
• Articles of Confederation Failures:
  • Under the Articles, power lay with the states; national government was weak.
  • Social unrest (e.g., Shay’s Rebellion) highlighted systemic failures.
• Move to Stronger National Government:
  • Shift towards “We the people...” as source of authority.
  • Constitution established checks and balances among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
  • “It was all quite an elegant system of paths and tripwires, really.” — Richardson, [00:16]
• Guarantee of Rights:
  • The Supremacy Clause made federal law the “supreme law of the land.”

4. The Bill of Rights and Free Speech (19:00–23:00)

• Fears of Tyranny:
  After rebelling against a king, many wanted explicit protections for individual liberties.
• Bill of Rights:
  • First Amendment: “Prohibits the government from intruding on the basic liberties that enable individuals to challenge... the right of individuals to speak freely without fear of government retaliation.” — Richardson, [00:20]
  • High value placed on free expression.
• Recent Public Poll:
  • In April 2025, Pew found that 92% of Americans value media independence from government censorship.

5. Contemporary Reactions to Kimmel’s Suspension (23:00–26:30)

• Industry & Political Responses:

  • Paul Scheer (comedian): Condemned the suspension, highlighting hypocrisy as right-wing voices like Brian Kilmeade remain active despite extreme positions.
  • Musicians’ Union: Called the suspension “a direct attack on free speech and artistic expression.”
  • Writers Guild of America:
    “The right to speak our minds and to disagree with each other, to disturb even, is at the heart of what it means to be a free people. If free speech applied only to ideas we like, we needn't have bothered to write it into the Constitution. Shame on those in government who forget this founding truth.” — Writers Guild of America, [00:25]
  • David Frum (CNN): Labeled the move “state repression.”
  • Tucker Carlson:
    “If they can tell you what to say, they're telling you what to think. There is nothing they can't do to you because they don't consider you human. A free man has a right to say what he believes.” — Tucker Carlson, [00:25]
  • J.B. Pritzker (Gov. Illinois):
    “This is an attack on free speech and cannot be allowed to stand. All elected officials need to speak up and push back on this undemocratic act.” — J.B. Pritzker, [00:25]
  • Highlight from Brendan Carr's 2023 statement:
    “Free speech is the check on government control. That is why censorship is the authoritarian's dream.”

• Senator Chris Murphy: Warns of a campaign to leverage the Kirk murder to silence critics and political opponents.

• Trump’s Public Response (from England):

  • Celebrates the cancellation: “Great news for America. The ratings challenged. Jimmy Kimmel show is Canceled... Kimmel has zero talent and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that's possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC President DJT.” — President Trump, [00:26]

6. Foundational Reflections: "A Republic, If You Can Keep It" (27:00–end)

• Closing Historical Reflection:
  • Quotes James McHenry’s diary: When asked if the country was a republic or monarchy, Ben Franklin replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.”
  • Connects the historical challenge of sustaining a republic with the current crisis around free speech and government power.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Jimmy Kimmel (on his show):
  “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.” [00:02]

• Brendan Carr (FCC Chair):
  “We can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to change conduct and take action... or there's going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.” [00:06]

• Writers Guild of America:
  “If free speech applied only to ideas we like, we needn't have bothered to write it into the Constitution. Shame on those in government who forget this founding truth.” [00:25]

• Tucker Carlson:
  “If they can tell you what to say, they're telling you what to think. There is nothing they can't do to you because they don't consider you human. A free man has a right to say what he believes.” [00:25]

• Benjamin Franklin (via James McHenry):
  “A republic, if you can keep it.” [00:28]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00 — News breaks of Jimmy Kimmel's suspension, background and context
• 00:02 — Kimmel’s monologue and specific remarks [quoted]
• 00:06 — FCC threats and corporate reaction
• 00:11 — Transition to U.S. constitutional history and founding context
• 00:19 — The Bill of Rights and centrality of free speech
• 00:23 — Modern public opinion, industry, and political backlash to Kimmel's suspension
• 00:26 — Trump’s public gloating, summary of responses
• 00:28 — Ben Franklin’s quote and reflection on preserving the republic

Tone and Style

• The podcast is delivered in Heather Cox Richardson’s analytical, measured, and historically-rooted voice. Complex contemporary developments are tied to the founding principles of American democracy, employing a calm but urgent tone about the significance of current events.

Conclusion

Richardson uses the controversy over Jimmy Kimmel’s show to meditate on deeper questions of free speech and constitutional government, drawing a vivid parallel between current struggles and America’s foundational moment. The episode frames present dangers as not just political but existential, echoing the perpetual challenge Franklin warned of: keeping the republic.