Ex-GOP operative in disbelief as MAGA proves it's now 'terrified of jokes'

A former GOP political strategist blasted the attack on late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and how the country is turning into a "banana republic" as Trump persecutes his enemies.

"They're terrified of jokes. They're terrified of laughter," Steve Schmidt said on his podcast on Friday. "Now, ABC News and the new CEO of Disney have a decision to make: you either stand up for America or you get on your knees to Trump."

Schmidt noted that Melania Trump, the target of Kimmel's "expectant widow" punchline that now has the White House after him, was "offended five days after" the joke was made. He sarcastically added, "Yes, it was Jimmy Kimmel who instigated the madman to charge into the room with a shotgun."

Tying the Kimmel situation to the new indictment of James Comey, Schmidt said that the stories "indicate the path ahead, what we'll be fighting over," which will include the "right to speak out."