Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night television Tuesday after a week-long suspension by ABC, sparking renewed attacks from President Donald Trump, who has long pushed for the comedian’s removal.
On Truth Social, Trump blasted Disney-owned ABC for reinstating Jimmy Kimmel Live! after initially pulling the program “indefinitely” on September 17.
“I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back,” Trump wrote. “The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! His audience is GONE, his ‘talent’ was never there, and he’s yet another arm of the DNC. That would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution.”
He added, “I think we’re going to test ABC out on this. Let’s see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 million. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad ratings.”
Kimmel was suspended after backlash over remarks tied to the killing of political organizer Charlie Kirk. Disney called the comments “ill-timed and insensitive,” saying the decision was made to avoid inflaming an already tense national moment.
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Returning to air on Tuesday night, Kimmel said, “It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man… He tried his best to cancel me and instead he forced millions of people to watch this show.”
He also criticized affiliate groups that refused to carry his show, calling the decision “not legal, not American, un-American.”
Despite ABC’s decision to reinstate him, two of the nation’s largest station owners, Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, continue to block Jimmy Kimmel Live! from airing on their affiliates. Sinclair has demanded Kimmel apologize to Kirk’s family and make a donation to Turning Point USA before reconsidering.
Trump, who has long attacked late-night hosts including Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, and Seth Meyers, previously celebrated Kimmel’s suspension and even claimed the comedian had been fired.
Kimmel’s return now sets up another clash between Trump, ABC, Disney, and major affiliates as the battle over late-night comedy, politics, and free speech intensifies.
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