Jimmy Kimmel’s Removal Proves America Is Now a "Full Oligarchy" | Pivot

Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway

  • Sep 19, 2025
  • 1:05:58
  • Full Episode

Kara and Scott discuss ABC pulling “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” for a joke about the Charlie Kirk shooting, Trump filing a defamation suit against the New York Times, and Pam Bondi attempting to clean up her “hate speech” mess. Plus, FBI Director Kash Patel’s heated testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, Nvidia's $5 billion investment in Intel, and President Trump's fourth extension of the TikTok ban deadline.

Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 3:30 ABC Pulls Jimmy Kimmel Off Air 13:40 Pam Bondi on Hate Speech 34:17 FBI Director Kash Patel Faces Congress 38:57 Nvidia Invests $5B in Intel 44:12 Trump’s TikTok Deal 53:48 Predictions

Producers: Lara Naaman Zoë Marcus Taylor Griffin Kate Gallagher

Video Producer: Jim Mackil

Vox Media's Executive Producer of Podcasts: Nishat Kurwa

Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email [email protected]

Brief Summary

Cara Swisher and Scott Galloway discuss Jimmy Kimmel's cancellation, free speech issues, and the evolving media landscape amidst political pressures.

Key points

  • Democracy and Darkness. A discussion on the phrase 'democracy dies in darkness' and its implications.
  • The Kimmel Controversy. Jimmy Kimmel's show is pulled off the air amid political backlash.
  • Trump's Legal Battles. Trump files a $15 billion defamation suit against the New York Times.
  • Media Consolidation and Its Consequences. The consolidation of media has led to a dramatic uptick in societal issues, including rage and suicide.
  • Cash Patel's Congressional Testimony. FBI Director Cash Patel faced intense questioning about his knowledge of Epstein files.
  • China Strikes Back. China announces it will stop buying soybeans and Nvidia chips, targeting farmers and tech companies.

Episode highlights

Tension

50/ 100Some tension

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