President Trump puts television networks on notice and Stokes fears that he's using the government to silence his critics after ABC abruptly suspends Jimmy Kimmel.

Maybe their license should be taken away.

But Kimmel's punishment set off a wave of alarm.

These threats are leading to these corporate parents capitulating to this

administration's desire. And outrage. And you can't go around firing somebody because

you're fearful or trying to suck up to an authoritarian, a criminal administration. That's just not how this works.

Tonight, a deep dive into the fierce debate over free speech in the United States. Next.

This is Washington Week with the Atlantic.

Good evening and welcome to Washington Week.

I'm Vivian Salama in tonight for Jeffrey Goldberg.

President Trump this week put his television critics on notice.

When you have a network, then you have evening shows and all they do is hit Trump.

They're licensed.

They're not allowed to do that.

And underscoring his message,

the chairman of the perhaps now formerly independent

Federal Communications Commission.

We can do this the easy way or the hard way.

These companies can find ways to change conduct

or, you know, there's going to be additional work

for the FCC ahead.

And just like that, shortly after Carr's interview, ABC announced Jimmy Kimmel's indefinite suspension

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