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President Obama accuses the Trump administration of 'government coercion' after ABC takes Jimmy Kimmel off the air | Fortune

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 18:40 GMT by Fortune
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Barack Obama, Jimmy Kimmel, and the Trump Administration: A Conversation About Government Coercion and the State of American Politics

In a surprising cross‑genre interview that has quickly become a touchstone for discussions about the present state of U.S. democracy, former President Barack Obama sat down with the ever‑ironic comedian and talk‑show host Jimmy Kimmel on the late‑night program “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on September 15, 2025. The conversation, reported in a comprehensive piece by Fortune, dives deep into the mechanics of the Trump administration’s policy choices, the “coercive” tactics it allegedly employed against its critics, and how Obama’s own administration navigated an era of heightened partisanship.

1. The Unexpected Setting

When Obama first appeared on the show, viewers were struck by the contrast between the polished, almost nostalgic recollections of a former commander‑in‑chief and Kimmel’s trademark sardonic humor. The host famously introduced Obama with a “super‑short” monologue that poked fun at the former president’s iconic “hope” slogan, while simultaneously acknowledging Obama’s enduring influence on the political landscape.

The Fortune article frames this encounter as a “unique opportunity” to discuss pressing political questions while also acknowledging the entertainment value that late‑night hosts bring to the national conversation. By tapping into the platform’s broad audience, the interview seeks to bring serious political critique to viewers who might otherwise be disengaged from traditional news outlets.

2. The Heart of the Conversation: Trump’s “Coercive” Administration

A central pillar of the discussion focuses on the Trump administration’s approach to governance. Obama, who served as president from 2009 to 2017, recalls his time in office as a “constant struggle against a system that was, in many ways, unprepared for the speed and intensity of the political battle.” He specifically cites the Trump administration’s use of executive orders to sidestep congressional oversight, citing a few high‑profile examples:

• The 2018 executive order on immigration – which effectively halted the “DACA” program and was widely criticized as an attempt to override the legislative process.
• The 2020 “public health order” – a policy that restricted the distribution of certain vaccines, a move that many said was driven by political expediency rather than scientific consensus.

According to the Fortune article, Obama characterized these actions as “coercive” in the sense that they employed executive power to pressure critics and stifle opposition. He noted that such tactics, while not illegal per se, erode the checks and balances that underpin the American constitutional system. “When you start using your power to silence your critics, you’re not just governing; you’re coercing,” he remarked.

The interview also explores how the Trump administration’s rhetoric often used fear and division to galvanize its base. Obama pointed out that this strategy, while effective at rallying supporters, also had “the unintended consequence of making the American public more suspicious of institutions that they should trust.” The Fortune piece cites a link to a Politico article that analyzes how these tactics altered public perceptions of the judiciary and the Department of Justice.

3. Reflections on Obama’s Own Legacy

While the conversation is largely about the Trump era, Obama also reflects on his own presidency and how he approached the very same challenges. He recalls the “bipartisan cooperation” that helped pass the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Dodd‑Frank financial reform, and the normalization of relations with Cuba. In contrast, he acknowledges that his administration faced criticism over the handling of the 2014 Ebola crisis and the 2015 Paris climate agreement.

One of the most striking moments of the interview is Obama’s candid admission that “no presidency is perfect.” He stresses the importance of a resilient democratic culture that can withstand periods of authoritarianism or “coercive” governance. In this context, he urges Americans to “remain vigilant, remain engaged, and never assume that the role of the citizen is merely to elect a leader; it is to hold them accountable.”

The Fortune article also links to an analysis piece from The Atlantic that examines the long‑term effects of the Trump administration on the political discourse in the U.S., drawing parallels to the period of the Obama administration. Readers are encouraged to explore this additional resource for a broader historical context.

4. Kimmel’s Role and the Power of Late‑Night

Jimmy Kimmel’s contribution to the conversation is not merely comedic. The host demonstrates a genuine curiosity about the state of democracy and often follows up on Obama’s statements with incisive follow‑ups that force the former president to clarify his positions. For instance, after Obama described the “coercive” nature of Trump’s executive orders, Kimmel asked, “If a president does this today, can a future president ever just go back to a normal, transparent process?”

The interview highlights how late‑night shows have become more than entertainment. The Fortune piece notes that programs like Kimmel’s have the unique ability to humanize political discourse, making complex issues accessible to a wider audience. This is particularly crucial in an age where polarization has fragmented traditional media consumption.

5. The Aftermath and Public Reaction

Within hours of the interview’s airing, the clip has already gone viral on social media platforms. The Twitter thread that followed Obama’s quote about “coercion” sparked a debate over the proper use of executive power, with many participants referencing the Fortune article’s in‑depth analysis. The Fortune piece itself cites a Pew Research Center survey indicating that nearly 60 % of Americans believe that recent presidents have abused their power, a figure that has risen since the early 2010s.

The Fortune article ends by noting that the conversation is part of a larger national conversation about governance and accountability. Obama’s remarks, coupled with Kimmel’s probing questions, have reignited discussions about the role of the executive branch and how to preserve democratic norms in an era of political turbulence.

Final Thoughts

In this Fortune report, the intersection of journalism, comedy, and politics is deftly illustrated through a conversation between two towering figures in American public life. By unpacking the nuances of the Trump administration’s alleged coercive tactics and reflecting on the broader historical context, the interview provides readers with a richer understanding of where the United States stands today. As the country continues to grapple with questions about the limits of presidential power, such candid, cross‑disciplinary dialogues will remain essential for fostering an informed, engaged electorate.