Demonstrators condemn CEO Bob Iger and fellow executives for ‘bending the knee’ to Trump administration
The Mickey Mouse logo is all over Walt Disney’s headquarters in Burbank, California. But on Thursday, those famous ears were also on display outside the studio on protest signs, including one labeling Disney executives as “cowards” for suspending Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talkshow in response to pressure from the Trump administration.
Disney, which owns ABC, “indefinitely” suspended Kimmel’s show on Wednesday night, following threatening remarks by Trump’s Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr about possible regulatory consequences for comments Kimmel made about Trump and the Maga movement’s response to Charlie Kirk’s killing.
“Well, you know what my community values are, buster? Freedom of speech,” Stephen Colbert said in his opening monologue on Thursday.
Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty Images
Stephen Colbert criticized ABC’s decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel’s show “indefinitely.”
Colbert said in his monologue that the move was a “blatant assault on the freedom of speech.”
CBS in July said it plans to cancel “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” after its 2026 run.
“The Late Show” host Stephen Colbert defended Jimmy Kimmel during his opening monologue on Thursday night.
Disney-owned ABC said on Wednesday that it was pulling Kimmel’s late-night show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” off the air “indefinitely.” Kimmel’s suspension came after he commented on Charlie Kirk’s death in an episode that aired Monday.
In his monologue on Thursday, Colbert started by referencing a report from Rolling Stone on Wednesday about Kimmel and ABC. An excerpt of Colbert’s monologue was uploaded to Instagram.
“As one source at ABC put it, ‘they were pissing themselves all day.’ Oof. On the bright side, that proves Disney is No. 1 in streaming,” Colbert said.
Colbert also referenced an X post by Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr on Wednesday. Carr had thanked ABC broadcast affiliate Nexstar after it said it was dropping Kimmel’s show from its stations.
“While this may be an unprecedented decision, it is important for broadcasters to push back on Disney programming that they determine falls short of community values,” Carr wrote. “I hope that other broadcasters follow Nexstar’s lead.”
Colbert fired back at Carr in his monologue on Thursday.
“Well, you know what my community values are, buster? Freedom of speech. Or as Alexander Hamilton called it, ‘Hakuna Matata’. People across the country are shocked by this blatant assault on the freedom of speech,” Colbert said.
Representatives for Colbert and Kimmel did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider.
Late-night hosts like Colbert and Kimmel have been facing pressure from President Donald Trump and his administration. On Wednesday, Trump congratulated ABC “for finally having the courage to do what had to be done” by dropping Kimmel’s show.
“Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!!” Trump said, referencing NBC’s Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers.
In July, CBS said it was canceling “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” after next year.
Upon news of Colbert’s cancellation, “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart slammed CBS and questioned if the show’s removal was “purely financial” or the “path of least resistance” for Paramount’s merger with Skydance Media.
Stewart’s and Colbert’s shows belong to the same parent company, Paramount Global.
CBS said on July 18 that the move was “purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night.”
“It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount,” it added.
Venezuela Solidifies Strategic Alliance with Russia
The National Assembly of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela unanimously approved the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Treaty with the Russian Federation during an ordinary session on September 18, 2025, reports 24brussels.
This treaty elevates Venezuela to the status of Russia’s main strategic partner in Latin America, reinforcing an alliance that has evolved over two decades. The pact aims to strengthen collaboration in energy, defense, technology, and economic sectors, marking a pivotal advancement in bilateral relations.
In addition to the treaty, legislators established the National Council for Sovereignty and Peace in Venezuela and condemned Israel’s recent actions against Qatar, which included an unsuccessful assassination attempt on Palestinian negotiators from Hamas. This legislative session reflects Venezuela’s intent to assert its foreign policy autonomy while building diplomatic bridges.
Representative Roy Daza, who presented the treaty for approval, highlighted that it is a long-term commitment, stating, “This treaty does not respond to a temporary situation, but rather to a long-term vision that guarantees cooperation and solidarity between our peoples.” He underscored the importance of addressing critical issues such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and money laundering within the agreement.
In the economic realm, Daza emphasized the treaty’s role in enhancing OPEC+ development and supporting Venezuela’s aspirations to integrate into the BRICS group. The proposed establishment of a high-level intergovernmental commission aims to coordinate the initiatives outlined in the treaty.
The alliance with Russia is framed against a backdrop of increased Western sanctions on both nations and is positioned as a resistance against Western hegemony. Historical ties between Caracas and Moscow were notably strengthened during Hugo Chávez’s presidency, establishing a foundation for ongoing cooperation in defense and energy sectors.
On May 7, 2025, the relation between Russia and Venezuela experienced a significant upgrade with the signing of the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, reinforcing the multi-faceted nature of their alliance. This accord not only encompasses economic aspects but extends to military and technological cooperation, symbolizing a shared ideological stance against perceived Western dominance.
The treaty’s signing coincides with the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany, highlighting both nations’ commitment to fostering a different global order. In summary, the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Treaty stands as a decisive move in bolstering Venezuela’s foreign relations and exemplifying its strategic orientation towards Russia amidst a complex international landscape.
