The Breakfast Club: Donkey of the Day – Charlamagne Gives ABC Donkey Of The Day

Release Date: September 18, 2025
Featuring: Charlamagne Tha God

Overview

In this episode, Charlamagne Tha God awards “Donkey of the Day” to ABC for suspending Jimmy Kimmel Live indefinitely. The suspension comes amid controversy over Kimmel’s comments about the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, as well as political pressure from the FCC. Charlamagne delivers a scathing critique of the hypocrisy displayed by media corporations, political figures, and the selective application of "cancel culture."

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jimmy Kimmel's Suspension and ABC’s Response

• ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live indefinitely after alleged "backlash" to his comments about Charlie Kirk’s murder.
• The move followed reported threats from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and pressure from Nexstar Media, which is currently seeking approval for a merger with Tegna.
• The official line from ABC: "Jimmy Kimmel Live will be preempted indefinitely." (03:17)

2. Charlamagne Critiques Double Standards and Political Hypocrisy

• Charlamagne draws attention to the perceived double standard:

  “What’s the difference between Jimmy Kimmel saying the shooter was MAGA and all those folks on the right assuming the killer... was a raging left lunatic?... It’s the same exact energy and exactly why partisan politics have no place in an institution like the FCC.” [03:59]

• He highlights how conservative voices often escape repercussions for similar rhetoric, contrasting it with ABC's swift action against Kimmel.

3. FCC Chairman’s Threats and Corporate Self-Interest

• FCC Chair Brendan Carr publicly threatened regulatory action against ABC affiliates, stating:

  "We can do this the easy way or the hard way... these companies can find ways to change conduct... or there’s going to be additional work for the FCC ahead." [05:23]

• Charlamagne theorizes that ABC's actions are driven by their desire to secure FCC approval for Nexstar’s $6.2B merger.

4. Weaponization of Tragedy for Political Gain

• Charlamagne questions the sincerity of those claiming to defend Charlie Kirk, suggesting instead:

  “You’re using the death of Charlie Kirk to push your own political agendas. It’s actually disgusting.” [05:53]

• He calls out both sides for their hypocrisy in free speech and cancel culture discussions.

5. Reflections on Gun Violence and Political Discourse

• Charlamagne insists America needs a serious conversation about gun violence in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death:

  "Charlie Kirk said... ‘A certain amount of gun deaths are worth it to have the right to bear arms.’ I ask... Is it worth it when the gun death is you? ... If that’s not a sign from a higher power... then I don’t know what is." [06:56]

6. Media Bowing to Authoritarian Pressure

• He criticizes media networks for giving in to political and regulatory threats:

  “I'm convinced America just wants a dictatorship, period.” [08:48]

• Concludes with a call for Remy Ma to award ABC the “biggest hee haw,” followed by the show’s signature insult.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Hypocrisy and Cancel Culture:

  “When did y’ all become such snowflakes?... You were the anti cancel culture party, the party of free speech, okay? You hated the woke left, and now y’ all the party that needs some sleep.” [07:45]

• On Free Speech and Manipulation:

  “People who aren’t proponents of free speech don’t want a dialogue. They want a dictatorship of their own ideas.” [08:39]

• On Political Exhaustion:

  “…Most of us are in the exhausted majority. Okay, we tired. Okay, we are tired of the partisan politics because while Dems and Republicans... do petty little things like this to each other, the people suffer…” [07:20]

• On ABC’s Motives:

  “Now you suspending Jimmy Kimmel indefinitely... when you know the real reason you suspended him is because you need the FCC to approve this merger…” [08:12]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:25] — Introduction of Donkey of the Day; ABC’s decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live
• [02:54] — CBS News clip explaining the situation and regulatory threats
• [03:59] — Charlamagne’s analysis of political double standards
• [05:23] — FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s remarks about licenses and enforcement
• [05:53] — Charlamagne critiques use of the tragedy for political gain; calls to address gun violence honestly
• [07:20] — Commentary on exhaustion with political gamesmanship
• [08:12] — Charge against ABC’s real motives tied to the merger
• [08:48] — Summary judgment and “biggest hee haw” for ABC

Tone & Style

Charlamagne maintains his signature sharp, witty, and candid tone throughout—using humor and pointed critiques to underscore the seriousness of media manipulation and political hypocrisy. He’s passionate, unfiltered, and encourages listeners to look beyond partisan distractions toward deeper societal issues.

Summary

Charlamagne uses his "Donkey of the Day" segment to condemn ABC for its reaction to political pressure, arguing it’s a glaring example of corporate cowardice and the growing threat to genuine discourse. By weaving in the larger context of the FCC’s power and America’s deeply entrenched partisan divides, the episode serves as both cultural critique and a wake-up call for more honest, courageous conversations about free speech and gun violence.