Major Controversies Surrounding Jon Stewart: A Detailed Timeline

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

Jon Stewart is an American comedian, writer, producer, director, political commentator, actor, and television host, best known for hosting The Daily Show from 1999 to 2015 and again beginning in 2024. He also hosted The Problem with Jon Stewart on Apple TV+ from 2021 to 2023. Throughout his career, Stewart has garnered significant recognition, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, Grammy Awards, and Peabody Awards. He received the Bronze Medallion in 2019 and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2022, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in American comedy and political satire.

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

October 15, 2004: Stewart criticizes Crossfire on CNN

On October 15, 2004, Jon Stewart criticized CNN's Crossfire, telling hosts Tucker Carlson and Paul Begala to "stop hurting America" and referring to them as "partisan hacks".

2004: Stewart criticizes Crossfire's approach to journalism

In 2004, Jon Stewart confronted Tucker Carlson and Paul Begala on Crossfire, criticizing the show's failure to properly inform viewers about politics and engaging in partisan hackery instead of honest debate. The exchange received much media attention.

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, an institution founded by Jerry Falwell.

2007: Stewart Criticizes Hannity's Association with Ted Nugent

In 2014, Jon Stewart responded to Sean Hannity's criticism by criticizing 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 in 2007.

March 4, 2009: The Daily Show segment showing CNBC giving poor investment advice

On March 4, 2009, The Daily Show ran a segment showing CNBC giving poor investment advice after CNBC canceled Rick Santelli's scheduled appearance on the show.

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March 18, 2009: Carlson criticizes Stewart's handling of CNBC controversy

On March 18, 2009, Tucker Carlson criticized Jon Stewart's handling of the CNBC controversy in a blog entry for The Daily Beast, referencing their earlier CNN exchange.

April 28, 2009: Stewart's comments on Harry Truman

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 apologized on April 30 for the statement.

November 2009: Stewart Criticizes Fox News

In November 2009, Jon Stewart "called out" Fox News for using footage from a previous Tea Party rally during a report on a more recent rally, making the latter event appear more highly attended than it was. Fox News anchor Sean Hannity apologized for the footage use the following night.

2009: Stewart confronts Jim Cramer on The Daily Show

In 2009, Jon Stewart had a face-to-face confrontation with Jim Cramer on The Daily Show, which became the second most-viewed episode of the show. While Cramer acknowledged some validity to Stewart's criticisms, he later deemed them naive.

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2010: Increased Criticism of Fox News

In 2010, Jon Stewart intensified his criticism of Fox News on The Daily Show, featuring 24 segments criticizing the network's coverage within five months. Bill O'Reilly responded by labeling The Daily Show as a "key component of left-wing television."

2010: Hannity Criticizes Stewart's Association with Cat Stevens

In 2014, Sean Hannity criticized Jon Stewart for associating himself with Cat Stevens during his rally in 2010. This was part of an extended "call-out" of Fox News based on their coverage of food stamps and government assistance.

June 2011: Cenac uncomfortable with Daily Show bit

In June 2011, Wyatt Cenac acknowledged he was uncomfortable about a Daily Show bit about Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain.

June 19, 2011: Stewart Calls Chris Wallace "Insane"

On June 19, 2011, Jon Stewart, during an interview with Chris Wallace, called Wallace "insane" for suggesting Stewart's comparison of a Sarah Palin campaign video's marketing techniques to an anti-herpes medicine ad was a political comment. Stewart also stated that Fox viewers were the "most consistently misinformed" in political media, a claim later partially debunked by PolitiFact, leading Stewart to acknowledge his error.

August 2014: Criticism of Fox News' Coverage of Ferguson

In August 2014, Jon Stewart criticized Fox News for its portrayal of events surrounding the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and the subsequent protests. Stewart felt the coverage was biased.

July 2015: Report of Stewart cursing Cenac

In July 2015, it was reported that Jon Stewart cursed out writer Wyatt Cenac after Cenac acknowledged he was uncomfortable about a June 2011 Daily Show bit about Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain.

April 2024: Apple Restricts Interview with Lina Khan

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, raising concerns about Apple's influence over content creation.