The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Daily Review with Clay and Buck – September 18, 2025
Host: iHeartPodcasts
Date: September 18, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode dives into two major themes:

1. The media storm surrounding Jimmy Kimmel's suspension following controversial comments about the Charlie Kirk assassination, and the broader implications for cancel culture, free speech, and media hypocrisy.
2. A reflective and emotional interview with Eric Trump about the loss of Charlie Kirk, the resilience of the Trump family under political siege, and shifting political/cultural dynamics in America.

The hosts, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton, use sharp commentary, humor, and personal anecdotes to make sense of the news, always tying headlines back to deeper principles and recent history.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Jimmy Kimmel Controversy and Cancel Culture

• Background: Jimmy Kimmel made comments implying the assassin of Charlie Kirk was right-wing (“one of us”), despite evidence showing otherwise. Outrage followed as some ABC affiliates refused to air his show, with Kimmel’s future uncertain.

• Media Logistics Explained: Clay breaks down how local affiliates (Nexstar, Sinclair) can choose not to air ABC content, despite not being owned by Disney directly.

• FCC and Fairness: Discussion of the FCC’s regulatory authority – “broadcast licenses…have obligations of fairness” – and how that shapes decisions on airing controversial content (06:48).

• Comparison to Roseanne & Gina Carano: Clay outlines a double standard:

  • Roseanne Barr and Gina Carano were fired by Disney for social media conduct, with little outcry from the left.
  • Now, those same voices defend Kimmel as a martyr for free speech, which Clay calls out as hypocrisy.

  “When you create a culture where someone can be fired when they say something that is considered offensive, you have created the standards by which your own stars can also be fired.” – Clay Travis (09:38)

• Buck’s Take: Finds Kimmel’s suspension “hilarious” given Kimmel's history—sees this as consequence culture, not cancel culture; notes the lack of left-wing protest over previous conservative firings (10:55–11:36).

  • Notable Buck Sexton quip:

  "The funniest thing that has involved Jimmy Kimmel in a long time is him getting ganked off the air. I have no sympathy for him at all. He's not a First Amendment martyr." (10:58)

• Supreme Court's Role: Buck criticizes the 2024 Supreme Court decision that found insufficient standing to challenge government-driven social media censorship—he calls out Roberts and Barrett for getting it “totally wrong” (12:15–13:51).

• Clay on Principles vs. Politics:

  • Strongly argues for consistent opposition to cancel culture, regardless of politics:

  “I don't think anybody actually benefits from cancel culture.” (54:52)

  • He acknowledges Kimmel’s business value may be poor, but suspending/firing over speech is a dangerous precedent established by the left itself and now backfiring.

Memorable Quote

“If you didn't say a word about Roseanne and you didn't say a word about Gina Carano, I don't understand how you think you have the moral high horse or legitimacy to suddenly ride in and say, oh, my goodness, look at what they're doing to Jimmy Kimmel.” – Clay Travis (09:32)

2. Eric Trump Interview & Reflections on Charlie Kirk (21:32–34:03)

• Reaction to Jimmy Kimmel Suspension:

  • Eric sees Kimmel as “a jerk… the network used this as a way to get him out based on bad ratings.”
  • Suggests late-night TV is failing the public and that mockery of serious events (Kirk’s assassination) is distasteful and ultimately unpopular.

• On the Charlie Kirk Assassination:

  • Eric recounts the emotional moment of learning Charlie Kirk had been assassinated—a close friend, frequent collaborator, and pivotal youth political figure.
  • Rejects the killer’s attempts to silence Kirk’s message; instead, “they only cemented his legacy… We can never leave that stage.” (23:22)
  • Emotional resonance with Trump’s own family: compares moment to previous attempts on his father’s life.

• Inside the Trump Family Battle (“Under Siege”):

  • Eric describes the onslaught: impeachments, investigations, social media bans, legal attacks—framing the Trump family’s endurance as a triumph for free speech and democracy (25:54).
  • “I became the most subpoenaed person in American history… They wanted the dozens of gag orders we all had in these nonsense cases, all of which we won.” (25:54)

• Critique of Biden and Media:

  • The hosts and Eric discuss revelations (from Jake Tapper’s book) suggesting Biden was personally energized by the prospect of Trump’s imprisonment.
  • They recount Laura Trump being berated on mainstream media for raising Biden’s cognitive decline—ironically the subject of later mainstream debate (29:47).

• Business Culture and Political Cowardice:

  • Eric shares personal stories of being "canceled" by banks and business partners, only to see these same powers now court the Trump family again as public opinion shifts:
    • “I got canceled… by every bank in the country for doing nothing wrong, only because I wore a MAGA hat… Now everybody loves you, but it’s gotta be a part of you that’s like, give me a break.” (31:25)

Memorable Quote

"[The media and establishment] wanted our voices gone. They wanted our movement gone. They wanted my father gone. They wanted me off that stage… And thank God how we won, how we triumphed.” – Eric Trump (25:54)

3. Global Perspective: Trump’s State Visit to the UK (38:29–41:23)

• Highlights from the State Dinner:

  • Trump emphasizes the “priceless and eternal” bond between the US and UK:

  “Together we've done more good for humanity than any two countries in all of history… we must continue to stand for the values and people of the English speaking world.” – Donald Trump (38:29)

  • King Charles toasts to President Trump and the “remarkable” friendship and shared values (39:33).
  • Clay muses on the “British accent advantage” and the historical responsibility of Western civilization to defend liberty and human rights.

• Reflection on Western Civilization:

  • Clay draws a line from the state dinner rhetoric to contemporary debates over the 1619 Project and woke attempts to “redefine American history through the prism of slavery.”
  • He argues the left’s re-narration of America is strategic, aiming to undermine the legitimacy of its founding ideals.

4. Free Speech, Principle, and the Future of Cancel Culture (54:08–69:00)

• Clay’s Stand:

  • Consistently opposes cancel culture, referencing his own on-air controversies dating back eight years:

  “I believe in only two things completely, the First Amendment and boobs.” (56:18)

  • Points out that today’s cancelation standards were set by the left and are now coming home to roost.
  • Predicts the precedent will eventually hurt everyone—not just the political right.

• Freedom of Expression Beyond Broadcast:

  • Even if de-platformed, fired personalities (Kimmel, Colbert, Tucker Carlson) can reach audiences online.
  • “It has never been easier for everybody in America to share their opinions than it is today.” – Clay Travis (60:50)

• Perspective on Kimmel’s Firing:

  • Draws distinction between business decisions (based on ratings/profit) and speech-based terminations.
  • Condemns firing over speech but admits ABC would be justified to fire Kimmel if ratings are poor.

  “Firing someone because of something that they said on air is a form of cancel culture for sure. If you do not believe that Jimmy Kimmel's show is worthy… just pull it [for business reasons].” – Clay Travis (55:04)

  • “When you set the precedent that what people say on live shows can lead to them losing their job immediately, it's never going to stop. … The precedent is going to blow up on you...” (57:35)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Quote | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:58 | Clay sets up the Kimmel controversy and affiliate station responses | | 06:42 | Clay explains FCC fairness obligations and affiliate decisions | | 09:38 | Clay on precedent set by left: “You created the standards by which your own stars…”| | 10:55 | Buck sees Kimmel’s suspension as consequence culture, not cancel culture | | 12:15 | Buck criticizes Supreme Court for inaction on government-directed censorship | | 21:32 | Eric Trump interview begins | | 23:22 | Eric on learning of Charlie Kirk’s death: “My heart sunk…” | | 25:54 | Eric details the Trump family siege | | 38:29 | Trump’s state dinner address in the UK | | 41:23 | Trump: “this is truly one of the highest honors of my life…” | | 54:08 | Clay replays and analyzes Kimmel’s controversial commentary | | 56:18 | Clay recounts his “First Amendment and boobs” CNN incident |

Notable Quotes and Moments

Clay Travis:

• “When you create a culture where someone can be fired when they say something that is considered offensive, you have created the standards by which your own stars can also be fired.” (09:38)
• “If you didn't say a word about Roseanne and you didn't say a word about Gina Carano, I don't understand how you think you have the moral high horse…” (09:32)
• “I am one of the few who was defending Roseanne, was defending Gina Carano, was defending Rush. And I don't think, I think you could fire Jimmy Kimmel if you think he's not good for Disney. ... I personally don't like the idea that he said something, even if I think it's wrong. And that is going to be the action that suddenly he's no longer employable.” (13:56)
• “It has never been easier for everybody in America to share their opinions than it is today.” (60:50)

Buck Sexton:

• “The funniest thing that has involved Jimmy Kimmel in a long time is him getting ganked off the air. … He's not a First Amendment martyr.” (10:58)
• “Deal with it, libs. Deal with it.” (13:53)

Eric Trump:

• “Charlie was a friend. … They only cemented his legacy. … We can never leave that stage, guys. I will never, ever, ever get off that stage.” (23:22)
• “I got canceled… by every bank in the country for doing nothing wrong, only because I wore a MAGA hat… Now everybody loves you, but it’s gotta be a part of you that’s like, give me a break.” (31:25)
• “[The media and establishment] wanted our voices gone. They wanted our movement gone. … And thank God how we won, how we triumphed.” (25:54)

Tone and Style

The show maintains its signature blend of political outrage, irreverent humor, and personal storytelling. Clay and Buck oscillate between sharply-worded takedowns (“Deal with it, libs”), self-aware chest-thumping (“I like to think I'm somewhat uncancelable”), and real emotion (especially when discussing faith, Western civilization, or the assassination of Charlie Kirk). Eric Trump’s appearance brings a somber, humanizing perspective.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode crackles with debate over who gets “canceled,” why, and by whom. The Kimmel controversy is placed in the larger American story of speech, power, and hypocrisy—calling out the double standards of progressives and the dangers of precedent. The Eric Trump interview offers a human look at a deeply embattled family, while the state dinner segment breathes optimism into the Anglo-American alliance.

For Further Listening

• Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show Podcast Archive
• [Eric Trump’s book “Under Siege: My Family's Fight to Save Our Nation”]
• [Further discussion on cancel culture and media hypocrisy in previous episodes]