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' on Comedy Central from 1999 to 2015 and part-time since 2024. His satirical commentary on news and politics has garnered him widespread recognition and influence. He also hosted 'The Problem with Jon Stewart' on Apple TV+ from 2021 to 2023. Stewart's work has earned him numerous awards, including 24 Primetime Emmy Awards, 2 Grammy Awards, 5 Peabody Awards, the Bronze Medallion in 2019, and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2022, solidifying his status as a significant figure in American comedy and political commentary.

Sections (5)

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 appeared on CNN's Crossfire and criticized the state of television journalism, urging the hosts to 'stop hurting America' and referring to them as 'partisan hacks.'

2004: Stewart's Crossfire Criticism

In 2004, Jon Stewart criticized Crossfire hosts for partisan hackery and failing to inform viewers about serious political topics. He also defended his interview style with John Kerry.

January 2005: CNN Cancels Crossfire

In January 2005, CNN announced the cancellation of Crossfire. Jonathan Klein, CNN's incoming president, referenced Jon Stewart's appearance on the show as a factor in the decision, citing the 'noise level' of the show.

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, whom McCain had previously denounced.

2007: Hannity supports Nugent's violent rhetoric toward Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in 2007

In 2007, Sean Hannity supported Ted Nugent's violent rhetoric toward Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

March 4, 2009: CNBC Cancels Rick Santelli's Appearance on The Daily Show

On March 4, 2009, CNBC cancelled Rick Santelli's scheduled appearance on The Daily Show, leading the show to run a segment showcasing CNBC's poor investment advice.

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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 post. Carlson also recounted Stewart lecturing Crossfire staff backstage after his appearance in 2004.

April 28, 2009: Stewart calls Truman a war criminal, then apologizes

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. On April 30, he apologized on his program, stating he did not believe that to be the case.

November 2009: Stewart Criticizes Fox News for Misleading Footage

In November 2009, Jon Stewart criticized Fox News for using footage from a previous Tea Party rally during a report on a more recent rally, which made the latter event appear more highly attended than it actually was. The show's anchor, Sean Hannity, apologized for the footage use the following night.

2009: Confrontation Between Stewart and Cramer on The Daily Show

In 2009, exchanges between Jon Stewart and Jim Cramer led to a highly anticipated face-to-face confrontation on The Daily Show. The episode received significant media attention and became one of the most-viewed episodes of The Daily Show.

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2010: Increased Criticism of Fox News

In 2010, Jon Stewart intensified his criticism of Fox News, dedicating 24 segments of The Daily Show to the network's coverage within a five-month period. Bill O'Reilly from Fox News' The O'Reilly Factor, responded by labeling The Daily Show as a "key component of left-wing television".

2010: Hannity criticizes Stewart associating himself with Cat Stevens at the rally in 2010

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

June 19, 2011: Stewart and Chris Wallace Clash Over Political Commentary

On June 19, 2011, during an interview with Chris Wallace, Jon Stewart called Wallace "insane" for interpreting Stewart's comparison of a Sarah Palin campaign video and an anti-herpes medicine ad as a political statement. Stewart also claimed that Fox News viewers were the "most consistently misinformed", a statement later fact-checked and deemed false with conditions. Stewart later acknowledged his error.

October 2011: Stewart meets with President Obama at the White House

In October 2011, Jon Stewart met with President Obama at the White House. It was a previously unreported meeting with President Obama.

February 2014: Stewart meets with President Obama at the White House

In February 2014, Jon Stewart met with President Obama at the White House. It was a previously unreported meeting with President Obama.

July 14, 2014: Stewart interviews Hillary Clinton about the Middle East

On July 14, 2014, Jon Stewart interviewed Hillary Clinton on The Daily Show about the Middle East. He questioned her condemnations of Hamas and their resistance in Gaza.

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

In late August 2014, Jon Stewart criticized Fox News for its portrayal of the events surrounding the shooting of teenager Michael Brown by police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri, and the subsequent protests.

July 2015: Cenac says Stewart cursed him out after Daily Show bit

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

July 28, 2015: Report on Stewart's unreported White House meetings

On July 28, 2015, it was reported that Jon Stewart had been at the White House for previously unreported meetings with President Obama twice: once in October 2011 and once in February 2014.

2023: Stewart Signs Artists4Ceasefire Letter

In 2023, Jon Stewart, alongside other media figures, signed the Artists4Ceasefire open letter urging American president Joe Biden to call for a ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza war.

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 incident follows the U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit against Apple for alleged anti-competitive practices in the smartphone market.