Major Controversies Surrounding Jon Stewart: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Jon Stewart.

Jon Stewart is a highly acclaimed American comedian, writer, producer, director, political commentator, actor, and television host. He is best known for hosting The Daily Show from 1999 to 2015 and returning to the show in 2024. Stewart also hosted The Problem with Jon Stewart on Apple TV+ from 2021 to 2023. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards, including 23 Primetime Emmy Awards, two Grammy Awards, and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

October 15, 2004: Crossfire Appearance

On October 15, 2004, Jon Stewart appeared on CNN's Crossfire with Tucker Carlson, criticizing television journalism and urging the hosts to "stop hurting America," referring to Carlson and co-host Paul Begala as "partisan hacks."

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2004: Critique of Crossfire

In 2004, Jon Stewart criticized CNN's 'Crossfire' for failing to inform viewers about politics, accusing the show of partisan hackery and comparing it to pro wrestling's athletic competition claims. He clashed with Tucker Carlson over softball questions to John Kerry, media integrity, and the show's format.

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January 2005: CNN Cancels Crossfire

In January 2005, CNN announced the cancellation of Crossfire. CNN's incoming president, Jonathan Klein, cited Jon Stewart's appearance as influencing the decision, acknowledging Stewart's point about the show's noise level failing to illuminate the issues of the day.

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April 4, 2006: Stewart Confronts John McCain on The Daily Show

On April 4, 2006, Jon Stewart confronted US Senator John McCain on The Daily Show about his decision to appear at Liberty University, which was followed by media coverage.

2007: Stewart Criticizes Hannity's Support of Nugent's Rhetoric

In 2007, Jon Stewart criticized Sean Hannity for frequently calling Ted Nugent a "friend and frequent guest" on his program and supporting Nugent's violent rhetoric toward Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

March 4, 2009: CNBC Cancels Appearance on The Daily Show

On March 4, 2009, CNBC canceled Rick Santelli's scheduled appearance on The Daily Show, leading to a segment showing CNBC giving poor investment advice, which became a viral internet phenomenon.

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March 18, 2009: Carlson's Blog Entry Criticizing Stewart

On March 18, 2009, Tucker Carlson criticized Jon Stewart in a blog entry for The Daily Beast regarding Stewart's handling of the CNBC controversy. Carlson referenced their previous CNN incident and claimed Stewart lectured the staff backstage for an hour.

April 28, 2009: Stewart Calls Truman a War Criminal

On April 28, 2009, Jon Stewart stated that former President Harry S. Truman was a war criminal for his use of the atomic bomb on Japan during World War II. He later apologized for the statement.

November 2009: Stewart criticizes Fox News for misrepresenting Tea Party rally attendance

In November 2009, Jon Stewart criticized Fox News for using old footage of a Tea Party rally during a report about a more recent rally, making it seem like the latter event was better attended than it actually was. Sean Hannity, an anchor at Fox News, apologized for using the footage the following night.

2009: Confrontation with Jim Cramer on The Daily Show

In 2009, Jon Stewart had a face-to-face confrontation on The Daily Show with Jim Cramer, following media coverage of their exchanges. The episode garnered significant attention, becoming one of the show's most-viewed, with Cramer acknowledging some of Stewart's criticisms of CNBC.

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2010: Stewart Intensifies Criticism of Fox News

In 2010, Jon Stewart increased his criticism of Fox News. Within five months, The Daily Show aired 24 segments that were critical of Fox News coverage. Bill O'Reilly, who hosted The O'Reilly Factor on Fox News, responded by calling The Daily Show a key component of left-wing television and said that Stewart loved Fox News because it was "not boring."

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2010: Hannity Criticizes Stewart's Rally Association

In 2010, Sean Hannity criticized Stewart for associating himself with Cat Stevens during his rally.

June 2011: Daily Show Bit About Herman Cain

In June 2011, The Daily Show aired a bit about Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain that made writer Wyatt Cenac uncomfortable.

June 19, 2011: Stewart Calls Chris Wallace "Insane" and Criticizes Fox Viewers

On June 19, 2011, during an interview with Chris Wallace, Jon Stewart called Wallace "insane" for suggesting that Stewart's comparison of a Sarah Palin campaign video and an anti-herpes medicine ad was a political comment. Stewart also stated that Fox viewers were the "most consistently misinformed" viewers of political media, a claim later rated as false with conditions by PolitiFact. Stewart later acknowledged his error.

August 2014: Stewart Criticizes Fox News' Coverage of Michael Brown Shooting

In late August 2014, Jon Stewart criticized Fox News for how it portrayed the shooting of Michael Brown by police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri, and the subsequent protests.

July 2015: Cenac Reported Stewart Cursing Him

In July 2015, it was reported that Jon Stewart cursed out writer Wyatt Cenac after Cenac acknowledged discomfort about a June 2011 Daily Show bit.

July 28, 2015: Reports of Unreported Meetings with President Obama

On July 28, 2015, it was reported that Jon Stewart had previously unreported meetings with President Obama in October 2011 and February 2014. Stewart responded by pointing out that the meetings were in the public visitor log.

2023: Stewart Urges Ceasefire in Gaza War

In 2023, Jon Stewart, along with other media figures, signed the Artists4Ceasefire open letter urging American president Joe Biden to call for a ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza war, criticizing Israel for its military and political conduct in the Palestinian territories.

April 2024: Stewart Claims Apple Restricted Interview with FTC Chair

In April 2024, Jon Stewart claimed that Apple restricted him from interviewing Lina Khan, the Chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), on his podcast. This follows a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit against Apple for alleged anti-competitive practices in the smartphone market.