Washington, D.C. – The entire United States was shaken again after President Donald Trump’s shocking statement at the White House. During an emergency press conference, Trump announced that he would “deal severely” with individuals who spread or amplify negative news about his health on social media.
In particular, he unexpectedly mentioned the name of the famous late-night host of ABC, Jimmy Kimmel – who has long been a frequent satirist of Trump on television.
“Fake news about my health is being spread everywhere. This is a deliberate campaign to sabotage me. And Jimmy Kimmel – he must be held responsible, he will not be able to continue to get away with these lies,” Trump declared to the press, in a harsh tone.
MEDIA EXPLOSION
The statement immediately created a media earthquake. The #TrumpVsKimmel hashtag soared to the top of Twitter trends in minutes, sharply dividing the public:
Trump supporters hailed the move as a bold move to end “fake news culture.”
Detractors, meanwhile, saw it as a direct attack on free speech and political satire, a long-standing tradition in the United States.
ABC sources said the Jimmy Kimmel Live! crew was “in an emergency meeting” to discuss how to respond, while Kimmel himself has yet to make an official statement.
IMPACT AND CONTROVERSY
Many scholars and legal experts have warned that Trump’s move could lead to a fierce confrontation between the government and the entertainment and media industry.
A Yale University constitutional law expert commented:
“If the president threatens to punish a host for mocking him, it is a serious sign that freedom of speech is being challenged.”
Meanwhile, financial markets also reacted negatively, with the Dow Jones index falling slightly and investors expressing concerns about a “new period of uncertainty” under Trump.
A NEW BATTLE BETWEEN THE WHITE HOUSE AND HOLLYWOOD
Jimmy Kimmel has long been a familiar face among the ranks of artists who openly oppose Trump. This incident could push the already tense relationship between Trump and Hollywood into an unprecedented public war.
Observers predict that Kimmel will likely use the Jimmy Kimmel Live! stage to respond, turning this confrontation into the center of global media.
THE HANGING QUESTION
Will Trump actually turn his threats into concrete actions against Jimmy Kimmel?
How will Hollywood react to this unprecedented “roll call”?
And more importantly: is this a turning point that shows that freedom of the press and freedom of speech in the US are entering a dangerous phase?
CNN commented: This is just the beginning of an unprecedented political-media crisis in modern history.
