After a week-long suspension, Jimmy Kimmel Live made its much-anticipated return last night, much to the delight of fans and the general public. However, not everyone was pleased with the late-night show’s comeback. Former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to air his grievances, declaring his intention to sue the network that airs Kimmel's show, ABC.
In a lengthy rant, Trump expressed disbelief that ABC would reinstate Kimmel, stating, “I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back.” He further claimed that the White House had been informed by ABC that Kimmel’s show was canceled, suggesting that something had altered between that announcement and the show’s return. Trump remarked, “His audience is GONE, and his ‘talent’ was never there.”
Trump continued his tirade, questioning why ABC would want to bring back a host he describes as “not funny” and who he accuses of jeopardizing the network by presenting “99% positive Democrat GARBAGE.” He even suggested that Kimmel’s return could be viewed as a major illegal campaign contribution to the Democratic National Committee (DNC), stating, “I think we’re going to test ABC out on this.” Trump concluded his post with a jab at Kimmel’s ratings, declaring, “Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings.”
Last week, ABC and Disney abruptly placed the long-running late-night series on hold, citing an “ill-timed and thus insensitive” monologue in which Kimmel criticized right-wing figures for attempting to “score political points” off the murder of Charlie Kirk. During the suspension period, Kimmel remained silent while many in Hollywood voiced their support for him, highlighting the ongoing debate about freedom of speech in comedy.
Upon his return, Kimmel took a moment to thank his supporters, including those who might not agree with his views yet stand up for his right to express them. He emotionally acknowledged, “it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.” He also addressed the attempts by Trump and his administration to silence him, stating, “A government threat to silence a comedian the president doesn’t like is anti-American.”
Kimmel expressed hope for unity across the political spectrum, saying, “I am so glad we have some solidarity on that from the right and the left and from those in the middle, like Joe Rogan.” He suggested that perhaps this situation could lead to finding common ground among differing viewpoints.
In response to Kimmel's controversial monologue, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr accused Kimmel of attempting to frame Kirk's shooter as a “MAGA or Republican-motivated person,” labeling the narrative as “sick.” This backlash contributed to the pressure campaign from the Trump administration and conservative media, signaling a deeper cultural divide surrounding late-night comedy.
The tension between Kimmel and Trump is not new; they have engaged in a public feud for years. For instance, during last year’s Oscars, Kimmel referenced one of Trump’s Truth Social posts, humorously quipping, “Thank you, President Trump. Thank you for watching, I’m surprised you’re still up — isn’t it past your jail time?” In response, Trump dismissed Kimmel as a “dope” and “one of the dumbest human beings ever.”
As the debate over freedom of expression and comedy continues, the return of Jimmy Kimmel Live promises to be a focal point in the ongoing discussion surrounding political satire and its implications in today’s media landscape.
