VAN JONES ON KIMMEL CANCELLATION- ‘This is a red line that has been crossed’

Van Jones Slammed for Hypocritical and Selective Defense of Kimmel Cancellation

CNN commentator and former Obama advisor Van Jones has drawn sharp criticism from conservatives for his opportunistic defense of the indefinite suspension of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* by ABC, announced on September 17, 2025. On *The Van Jones Show* podcast, Jones called the decision a “red line” crossed against the First Amendment, claiming it represents a Trump administration attack on press freedom. However, his fiery rhetoric has been branded hypocritical and selective, as Jones has remained conspicuously silent on past censorship cases targeting conservative voices. The controversy stems from Kimmel’s false claim that Charlie Kirk’s assassin, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was linked to the MAGA movement, despite clear evidence of Robinson’s radicalization in leftist circles. Conservatives accuse Jones of wielding free speech as a shield for liberal allies while ignoring Kimmel’s distortion of facts, exposing a double standard that undermines his credibility. #VanJones #MediaHypocrisy #FirstAmendment

Jones argued that pressure from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and broadcasters like Nexstar Media Group on ABC amounts to “government harassment” threatening democracy. Yet, conservatives highlight that Jones never protested when platforms like YouTube, Twitter (now X), and others suspended figures like Tucker Carlson, Alex Jones, or even Charlie Kirk for alleged “hate speech” violations in recent years. This selective outrage suggests Jones only champions press freedom when it suits progressive figures, while ignoring systemic censorship of conservatives, a trend documented in a 2023 Media Research Center report showing 75% of conservative social media accounts faced restrictions. Robinson’s radicalization, confirmed by the FBI and Utah Governor Spencer Cox as rooted in leftist online spaces, with bullet casings bearing anti-fascist inscriptions, directly contradicts Kimmel’s narrative—a fact Jones conveniently sidesteps to frame the suspension as a free speech violation. #SelectiveCensorship #JimmyKimmel

Jones’ defense also fails to address Kimmel’s role in fueling polarization. Kimmel’s remarks, accusing MAGA supporters of “depoliticizing” Kirk’s murder, were not only false but, per Republican leaders like J.D. Vance and Megyn Kelly, incited hatred against conservatives during a time of national mourning for Kirk’s death on September 10 at Utah Valley University. While Jones cites *Brandenburg v. Ohio* (1969) to argue Kimmel’s speech is protected, he ignores how the host’s misinformation could exacerbate political violence, a growing issue in 2025, as seen with the National Guard’s deployment in Memphis to combat crime. Conservatives argue that Jones, by refusing to condemn Kimmel’s falsehoods, becomes complicit in a media narrative that distorts truth to vilify the right while posing as a principled defender of free speech. #MediaManipulation #CharlieKirk

Moreover, Jones’ stance is criticized for failing to challenge ABC and other corporate media’s role in selective censorship. While he accuses the Trump administration of intimidation, Jones overlooks how liberal outlets, including CNN where he works, have endorsed the silencing of conservative voices, such as the cancellation of Newsmax shows or the demonization of Fox News. On X, conservative users have branded Jones an “opportunist” who uses the First Amendment as a political tool rather than a consistent principle. Robinson’s mother and transgender roommate confirmed his shift toward progressive ideologies, including LGBT rights, directly contradicting Kimmel’s claims. Jones’ refusal to engage with these facts suggests he prioritizes political loyalty over truth, making him an easy target for conservatives demanding consistency. #DoubleStandard #TylerRobinson

This episode exposes the hypocrisy in the media landscape, where figures like Jones exploit democratic principles to shield allies. As the nation prepares for Charlie Kirk’s funeral, with tributes from Trump, Vance, and Kirk’s wife, Erika, the Kimmel controversy and Jones’ biased defense highlight the need for journalism that prioritizes truth over partisan narratives. Conservatives demand that Jones apply the same fervor to defending all censorship victims, not just those aligned with his ideology. His silence on conservative persecution, paired with his defense of Kimmel, paints him as a half-hearted advocate for press freedom, undermining his moral authority in this debate. #TruthVsLies #PressFreedom