Mark Halperin opens today’s episode with his reported monologue featuring new information on Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension by ABC and what it reveals about shifting corporate power structures, market pressure, and free speech in modern media. He dissects the reactions from the White House to prominent Democrats, many of whom are outraged by Kimmel’s suspension and jolted by the realization that mainstream media is no longer reliably on their side. Mark examines how changing audience demographics, political influence, and corporate risk management are reshaping television and entertainment, and why the Kimmel controversy shows how corporate power and cultural forces are increasingly shaping each other.
Then, Mark sits down with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for a wide-ranging conversation on border security, public safety, and the lasting mission of Charlie Kirk — and how she plans to honor his legacy. Secretary Noem outlines the priorities DHS is pursuing and explains why enforcing the law, ensuring real consequences, and encouraging voluntary compliance are critical to protecting American communities. Plus, Secretary Noem joins Mark for a quick round of a favorite game: Rapid-Fire Word Association – Trump Cabinet Edition.
After that, Mark is joined by Noam Dworman, owner of the fabled Manhattan venue the Comedy Cellar, to unpack how free speech, corporate pressure, and political influence collide in today’s entertainment landscape – and what that means for comedy. They discuss the behind-the-scenes forces that led to Kimmel being sidelined by ABC, explore how comics inspire one another while navigating the fraught boundaries of what’s considered acceptable, and debate whether we’re living in a new golden age of comedy.
Plus, don’t miss Mark Halperin’s “Last Up” at the end of the show: What’s in a name?
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