‘Free speech is free speech’: Foulkes comes to defense of Kimmel after suspension

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — We’re starting to see local reactions to ABC’s suspension of late night talk show mainstay Jimmy Kimmel.

This morning, Helena Foulkes, a Democrat who recently announced her bid for Rhode Island governor in the 2026 race, posted to Twitter/X, saying in part:

Free speech is free speech, and the actions of the Trump administration are disgraceful…This should alarm everyone.

She shared the comments with a picture of her on the Jimmy Kimmel live show in 2016.

Free speech is free speech, and the actions of the Trump Administration are disgraceful.

Had a blast on Kimmel in 2016 when he called on CVS to make our (fabulously long) receipts shorter.

This should alarm everyone. pic.twitter.com/Vpmp12U1OO

— Helena Buonanno Foulkes (@HelenaBFoulkes) September 18, 2025