The Trump administration has ramped up a campaign targeting critics, including media figures, academics, and political opponents. This includes public pressure on the Attorney General to hasten legal actions against Trump’s adversaries and increased scrutiny of speech deemed offensive to the administration’s allies. Notably, ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show following the host’s comments on conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination, drawing criticism from free speech advocates and lawmakers from both parties. Demonstrations, boycotts, and high-profile support for Kimmel, including from Hollywood royalty, followed the suspension. Alongside media controversies, several professors faced investigations or dismissals after making critical remarks about Kirk, raising alarms about academic freedom. Trump’s push for legal retribution combined with FCC warnings and broad political tensions, illustrating a volatile climate where free speech and partisan pressures collide.