Jimmy Kimmel's Electrifying Return Ignites New Sparks with Donald Trump

Jimmy Kimmel is back on late-night TV and wow what a return it was! After a week-long absence, his show aired again much to the joy of many. Not everyone was cheering his comeback though. One big name definitely not happy was former President Donald Trump. He quickly fired off a rant on Truth Social making it clear he plans to sue ABC, the network behind Kimmel's show.

Trump's message went something like this: "I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back." He claimed ABC told the White House Kimmel's show was canceled. "Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his ‘talent’ was never there." Trump didn't hold back, saying Kimmel "does so poorly," "is not funny," and "puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE." He even called Kimmel "another arm of the DNC" suggesting this would be "a major Illegal Campaign Contribution." Trump finished with a threat: "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 Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings."

Understanding the Controversial Suspension That Preceded Kimmel's Return

So how did we get here? Last week ABC and Disney suddenly suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live. They said it was because of an "ill-timed and thus insensitive" monologue. In that show Kimmel criticized right-wingers for trying to score political points from Charlie Kirk's murder. Kimmel kept quiet for a few days but Hollywood quickly spoke out supporting him.

During his return monologue Kimmel thanked his many supporters. He also thanked "the people who don’t support my show and what I believe but support my right to share those beliefs anyway." He said emotionally "it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man."

Kimmel also criticized the Trump administration's efforts to get him off the air. He explained: "I barely paid attention in school but one thing I did learn from Lenny Bruce and George Carlin and Howard Stern is that a government threat to silence a comedian the president doesn’t like is anti-American." He expressed happiness about the solidarity from all sides saying "And I am so glad we have some solidarity on that from the right and the left and from those in the middle Joe Rogan maybe the silver lining from this is we found one thing we can agree on and maybe we’ll even find another one. Maybe we can get a little bit closer together."

The FCC Weighs In: Brendan Carr's Role in the Free Speech Firestorm

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr claimed Kimmel tried to push a story that Kirk's shooter "was somehow a MAGA or Republican-motivated person" calling it "sick." Carr's comments helped create pressure from the Trump administration and conservative media making the situation even tougher for Kimmel.

This feud between Kimmel and Trump is not new. They often take shots at each other. Last year while hosting the Oscars Kimmel read one of Trump’s Truth Social posts. Kimmel joked "Thank you President Trump. Thank you for watching I’m surprised you’re still up — isn’t it past your jail time?" Trump later called Kimmel a "dope" and "one of the dumbest human beings ever."

In April Kimmel told Rolling Stone he enjoys getting Trump riled up. Kimmel said "I think most comedians have a strong sense of justice and he violates that so frequently." He continued "I know we should be hardened to it by now but I’m not. It is shocking to me it seems like a comic-book villain. He seems like the kind of character that would flame out after a few years but the fact that he’s still with us is remarkable." Kimmel sees his show now as "a place to scream."

Trump's New Legal Threat Against ABC and the $16 Million Precedent

Kimmel knew his return would put ABC at risk of government pressure. He even taped his monologue Tuesday night predicting it. An hour before the monologue aired Trump proved him right posting a blustery new legal threat against ABC on Truth Social.

Trump’s message was a mix of dismissal and intimidation. He claimed Kimmel’s "audience is GONE" and that Kimmel "puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE. He is yet another arm of the DNC and to the best of my knowledge that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution. I think we’re going to test ABC out on this. Let’s see how we do."

ABC has not publicly responded to Trump’s post which lacked any clear legal basis. This recent legal threat might come and go. It does clearly show the president using government power to influence a private media company's content.

This situation comes for a clear reason: the president dislikes being criticized night after night. Yet last week's pressure from the Trump administration official in charge of ABC station licenses might have raised Kimmel’s profile not lowered it at least for now.

Television ratings for Tuesday night’s broadcast are not yet out. However on YouTube Kimmel’s emotional monologue about free speech gained more than 15 million views. The video ranks as his most-watched monologue on YouTube ever.

The Wider Implications: "This is a test of democracy" Says Schumer

Kimmel noted on air the president also called for NBC to fire Jimmy Fallon. Kimmel urged viewers to speak up for Fallon if there's "any hint" of action against his rival.

Wednesday morning Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer reacted to Trump’s recent message against ABC. Schumer said "This is a test of democracy." He added on MSNBC that such threats "is what dictatorships do. That is what autocracies do." Trump wants anyone he "doesn’t agree with he wants to shut up" Schumer added. "That’s a dagger to the heart of America."

Trump wrongly claimed last week Kimmel was "fired." In his Tuesday night post he claimed "the White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled!" ABC never said anything like that publicly. CNN’s Elizabeth Wagmeister reported Wednesday Disney "did not tell that to the White House. The show was never cancelled."

Trump’s post also showed how a December Disney settlement gave him confidence to make more demands of media companies. "Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars," the president wrote. "This one sounds even more lucrative."

The president’s tone is telling. "They gave me" $16 million sounds casual but ABC’s payout was not casual at all. The company decided to settle Trump’s defamation lawsuit against ABC News to avoid legal discovery and an unpredictable trial. This was not done out of generosity. Many critics including some inside ABC now regret that settlement. They believe it started a trend of media companies giving in to the president.

Trump’s recent threat clearly indicates he plans to punish ABC for allowing Kimmel to return to air.

Kimmel's Defiant Return and Praise for Erika Kirk's Forgiveness

Kimmel’s return also contradicted claims Trump and Brendan Carr had nothing to do with Kimmel’s initial removal. Justin Amash former GOP congressman said on X the president’s words "torpedoed every White House surrogate who claimed the administration wasn’t attempting to coerce Disney/ABC."

Kimmel prepared his audience for this continuing argument. He attacked Trump’s "un-American" comments on free speech. He used a line from comedian Jack Paar, the second host of "The Tonight Show." Paar quit hosting for almost a month in 1960 over a dispute with NBC’s censors. When Paar came back he opened with "As I was saying before I was interrupted…" Kimmel opened his show the same way.

Late-night TV analyst Jed Rosenzweig wrote that by using Paar’s comeback Kimmel "placed his own suspension in the lineage of late-night defiance." Rosenzweig added it was a calculated echo of late-night history. Kimmel "Rather than treating his absence as punishment he reframed it as an interruption — a pause in the conversation with his audience that he now controls again." Much to Trump’s displeasure Kimmel had the last laugh for now.

Jimmy Kimmel also praised Charlie Kirk's wife Erika Kirk for forgiving her husband's suspected shooter. Kimmel emotionally told his audience it was an example everyone should follow. "There was a moment over the weekend a very beautiful moment. I don’t know if you saw this. On Sunday Erika Kirk forgave the man who shot her husband. She forgave him. That is an example we should follow," Kimmel said.

He added "If you believe in the teachings of Jesus as I do there it was. That’s it. A selfless act of grace forgiveness from a grieving widow. It touched me deeply and I hope it touches many. And if there’s anything we should take from this tragedy to carry forward I hope it can be that."

Kimmel had addressed the remarks that led to his suspension during his show. He insisted he never meant to make light of the killing. He felt the killer did not represent any particular belief system. Kimmel thanked his fellow late-night hosts including Stephen Colbert Jon Stewart and David Letterman. He also thanked right-leaning critics such as Clay Travis and Senator Ted Cruz for supporting him or commenting on his show's removal.

Kimmel said "I’ve been hearing a lot about what I need to say and do tonight and the truth is I don’t think what I have to say is going to make much of a difference." He added "If you like me you like me. If you don’t you don’t. I have no illusions about changing anyone’s mind. But I want to make something clear because it’s important to me as a human and that is — you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man."

Erika Kirk said during her husband’s memorial service that he "wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life." She said "Our Savior said Father forgive them for they not know what they do. That young man… I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did and it’s what Charlie would do." Many public figures praised her words.

MSNBC host Joe Scarborough said "Right now just talking about the memorial service yesterday no doubt so many people deeply moved across the country by Erika Kirk forgiving for doing what Jesus Christ asked his followers to do. To pray for your enemies to love your enemies to pray for those who persecute you." Erika Kirk has been named CEO of Turning Point USA in place of her late husband.

The Return of Kimmel Live: A Look at the Broadcaster's Stance and Reactions

Kimmel said he was mad when ABC suspended him. However he praised his bosses for putting him back on the air. "Unjustly this puts them at risk," he stated. He mocked Trump for criticizing his ratings. "He tried his best to cancel me and instead he forced millions of people to watch this show," Kimmel said.

Sinclair and Nexstar two station groups representing about a quarter of ABC stations ordered their outlets not to show Kimmel on Tuesday. This meant ABC stations in Washington D.C. St. Louis Nashville Tennessee and Richmond Virginia among other cities aired something else. WJLA-TV the Sinclair-owned station in Washington aired a newscast and an episode of "The National Desk."

Kimmel’s suspension followed an angry reaction to comments he made earlier last week. A fierce Trump critic Kimmel suggested many Trump supporters were trying to gain from Kirk’s passing. They were "desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them."

Trump-appointed Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr said last week it seemed Kimmel was trying to "directly mislead the American public." This concerned his remarks about Tyler Robinson the 22-year-old Utah man charged with Kirk’s killing and Robinson's unclear motives. Authorities say Robinson grew up in a conservative family. His mother told investigators her son had turned left politically in the recent year.

Carr had said "We can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to change conduct to take action frankly on Kimmel or there is going to be additional work for the FCC ahead." These remarks were central to the backlash. Cruz said Carr acted like "a mafioso." Hundreds of entertainment stars including Tom Hanks Barbra Streisand and Jennifer Aniston signed a letter circulated by the American Civil Liberties Union. The letter called ABC’s move "a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation."

Podcaster Joe Rogan spoke out for Kimmel. Rogan said "I definitely don’t think that the government should be involved — ever — in dictating what a comedian can or can’t say in a monologue. You are crazy for supporting this because this will be used on you." Some consumers punished ABC parent Disney by canceling streaming subscriptions.

De Niro's Hilarious and Pointed Cameo as FCC Chairman Brendan Carr

Actor Robert De Niro appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Tuesday. He impersonated Carr being interviewed by Kimmel. De Niro as Carr said the FCC had a new motto "Sticks and stones can break your bones." Kimmel asked if there was more to the saying like words can never hurt you. De Niro responded "They can hurt you now" saying you have to make sure to say the right ones.

Kimmel took the stage to a long standing ovation. An audience member Walter Bates said after the taping Kimmel’s discussion of Kirk’s widow "was a very moving moment. I got very emotional and so did my wife."

Trump’s administration has used threats lawsuits and federal government pressure to try to control the media. Trump sued ABC and CBS over news coverage which the companies settled. Trump also filed defamation lawsuits against The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. He successfully urged Congress to strip federal funding from NPR and PBS.

Singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan had pulled out of her planned performance at the premiere of Hulu’s Lilith Fair documentary. This was in protest over Kimmel’s suspension. She appeared on Kimmel’s show as the musical guest. McLachlan had been booked prior to the preemption.

The suspension happened when late-night shows are losing viewers. Many watch highlights online later. CBS announced cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s Late Show over the summer. Kimmel’s contract with ABC reportedly runs through May. Colbert joked in his own monologue that he was "the only martyr on late night!"

The Battle Rages On: Kimmel's Unbowed Tone and the Continuing Media Conflict

In his comeback appearance Jimmy Kimmel struck a sorrowful tone for his comments about Charlie Kirk’s death. He did not say sorry directly. He made it clear he would not be quieted by his critics especially Donald Trump.

Referencing last week’s comments Kimmel accepted some people felt his remarks about Kirk’s death were "ill-timed or unclear or maybe both." He told them "I get why you’re upset." Last week the host connected the man suspected of shooting the conservative figure to the "Maga gang." He joked Trump’s reaction was "how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish."

Addressing the situation Tuesday Kimmel choked up saying it was "never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man." And again it was not his "intention" to "blame any specific group" for Kirk’s killer's actions. He stressed he "meant it" when he posted a message to Kirk’s family on Instagram.

Kimmel also made clear the uproar would not make him back off from Trump. The free speech storm seems to have hardened his resolve. "This show is not important. What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this," Kimmel said to applause.

After playing a clip of Trump ridiculing his low ratings the host noted the row brought huge attention to his comeback. He sent back some ridicule. "He tried his best to cancel me," Kimmel said. "Instead he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly. He might have to release the Epstein files to distract us from this now." The host added "A government threat to silence a comedian the president doesn’t like is anti-American." He repeated "That’s anti-American."

Kimmel’s suspension had been welcomed by Trump and his ally Brendan Carr. Lawmakers unions and free-speech supporters criticized it. Some other conservatives including Republican Senator Ted Cruz and podcaster Joe Rogan said the government should not dictate what a comedian can say.

Kimmel Pokes Fun at Disney and Takes a Stand for Broadcasters

Kimmel also poked fun at Disney. He clearly showed his unhappiness with the firm’s decision to suspend him. "I was not happy when they pulled me off the air," he said. "I did not agree with that decision and I told them that." In the end "they welcomed me back on the air and I thank them for that," he said. But "unfortunately and I think unjustly this puts them at risk," he continued.

Fellow late-night hosts Stephen Colbert Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers have also been targeted by Trump. "We have to speak out against it. He’s not stopping," Kimmel said.

Kimmel hit out at the FCC. He brought in Robert De Niro Trump’s vocal critic in Hollywood. De Niro played the new FCC chairman. He suggested the FCC is "using mob tactics to suppress free speech." De Niro told Kimmel only praise for Trump was now free. Insults would cost. "You want to say something nice about the president’s beautiful thick yellow hair and how he can do his make-up better than any broad that’s free," De Niro said. "But if you want to do a joke like, ‘He’s so fat he needs two seats on the Epstein jet,’ that’s going to cost you." De Niro struggled to keep a straight face. Kimmel asked "For clarity because it’s a pretty good joke how much would that one cost me?" "A couple of fingers maybe a tooth," came the reply.

Trump’s repeated comments about Kimmel’s ratings do have a point. All late-night shows are well below their peak. A part of Kimmel might be enjoying the new attention this row has given him. His supporters were happy with his jokes and his firm tone. LateNighter founder Jed Rosenzweig said Kimmel "proved last night that his strength as a broadcaster isn’t just in telling jokes but in commanding the room when the stakes are highest." He added Kimmel "turned a high-pressure return into a monologue that was equal parts moving fearless and funny."

Hollywood news site Deadline’s Dominic Patten said Kimmel "more than met the moment Tuesday — like we kinda knew he would." Tommy Christopher on Mediaite wrote Kimmel "came out swinging at President Donald Trump in a defiant monologue." Chris Vognar of the Boston Globe wrote "He sounded like a man speaking with the strength of his convictions. And now he’s got his platform back. It will be fascinating to see where this all goes in the coming days and weeks."

However Mark Walker of the New York Times noted "Some commentators on the right accused Mr Kimmel of faking his getting choked up as he discussed Mr Kirk’s death while others did not believe he was sufficiently apologetic." The Telegraph’s Kara Kennedy was not impressed by Kimmel’s "self-pitying monologue." She wrote "Progressives may wish to paint him as a martyr; but the show goes on. So much then for America teetering on the brink of fascism. If this is tyranny it comes with an ABC logo a studio audience and the kind of recycled jokes that make you long for the ad break."

This may be the end of Kimmel’s suspension but it feels like just the start of the next phase in the increasing argument between the president and the media.

Disney Investors Scrutinize Suspension Amid Free Speech Concerns and Stock Drops

A group of Disney investors is asking the company for documents related to the decision to temporarily suspend Jimmy Kimmel’s show. They say the media company may have been "complicit in succumbing" to media censorship. The investors include lawyers for the American Federation of Teachers and Reporters Without Borders. They noted Disney’s stock "suffered significant declines in response to the company’s abrupt decision to suspend Mr. Kimmel and his show" in a letter to Disney.

The letter stated "The fallout from suspending Jimmy Kimmel Live! sparked criticism as an attack on free speech triggered boycotts and union support for Mr. Kimmel and caused Disney’s stock to plummet amid fears of brand damage and concerns that Disney was complicit in succumbing to the government overreach and media censorship." The lawyers are demanding "copies of any meeting minutes meeting agenda and written materials provided to the [company’s] board or presented at any meeting of the board" regarding Kimmel’s decision. They cite a Delaware law allowing shareholders to get materials about board discussions "to investigate potential wrongdoing mismanagement and breach of fiduciary duty by members [of the board]." Disney did not immediately respond to requests for comments.

The company first suspended Kimmel’s show "indefinitely" on September 17. This was after Kimmel’s comments about Charlie Kirk’s killing. Kimmel said "the Maga gang [is] desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it."

The next day FCC chair Brendan Carr criticized Kimmel’s comments. Carr said the regulatory agency would support making sure companies airing Kimmel’s show are held responsible. "We can do this the easy way or the hard way," Carr said. "These companies can find ways to change conduct to take action on Kimmel or there’s going to be additional work for the FCC ahead."

Soon after Nexstar Media Group a major owner of ABC affiliates announced it would preempt Kimmel’s show. It called Kimmel’s comments "offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse." Nexstar seeks FCC approval for a $6.2 billion merger with Tegna another major TV station owner. After Nexstar’s announcement ABC owned by Disney halted Kimmel’s show "indefinitely" without saying why. A few days later ABC said the show would return Tuesday night. Nexstar and Sinclair Broadcast Group other major owners of ABC affiliates said they would continue to preempt the show. This amounts to a Kimmel blackout for 25% of TV audiences.

President Donald Trump attacked ABC for letting Jimmy Kimmel return to air Tuesday night. Trump appeared to threaten legal action against the network. He claimed Kimmel acted as an arm of the Democratic Party. Kimmel took multiple shots at the president and his administration in his opening monologue during his return broadcast.

In a post on his Truth Social platform an hour before Kimmel returned to air Trump wrote "I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back." The president claimed the White House was told Kimmel’s show had been canceled. Disney told news outlets last week it was pausing the show "indefinitely." Trump suggested "something happened" allowing Kimmel’s return. He claimed the comedian gets poor ratings and "puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE." The president accused Kimmel of being "another arm" of the Democratic National Committee. He offered no evidence. He suggested airing his show "would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution." Trump then said he will test ABC and signaled he intends to take the broadcaster to court.

"Last time I went after them they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings," Trump’s post added.

Kimmel Fires Back at Trump's Criticisms During His Emotional Monologue

During his monologue Tuesday Kimmel showed a clip of the president telling reporters the late-night show host was a "wack job" with "no talent" and "no ratings." Kimmel quipped "Well I do tonight" pointing to increased interest in his show after his time off air and Trump’s attacks. The comedian continued "You almost have to feel sorry for him. He did his best to cancel me. Instead he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly. He might have to release the Epstein files to distract us from this now." Trump’s Truth Social post had not been made when Kimmel’s show was taped. Kimmel said "You know as of this taping the president has not weighed in on ABC's decision to put us back on the air. I don't know maybe he's saving it for his late night toilet time." Later talking about Disney Kimmel hinted at potential pressure the company may face for bringing his show back. He said "unfortunately and I think unjustly this puts them at risk. The president of the United States made it very clear he wants to see me and the hundreds of people who work here fired from our jobs. Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he can't take a joke."

In a Truth Social post Trump cheered Kimmel being taken off air. He even claimed the comedian’s show had been canceled. "The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent and worse ratings than even Colbert if that’s possible." The White House’s Rapid Response X account tweeted "They're doing their viewers a favor. Jimmy is a sick freak!" Trump later said in a press conference "Kimmel was fired because he had bad ratings and he said a horrible thing about a great gentleman known as Charlie Kirk...you can call that free speech or not he was fired for lack of talent."

Trump’s feud with Kimmel dates back to his first term. Kimmel criticized the president’s actions. He called him out for turning "an angry mob" against lawmakers and former Vice President Mike Pence because "he is too angry too insecure and too incompetent to deal with the fact that he lost an election." When Kimmel hosted the 2024 Academy Awards Trump wrote on Truth Social "Has there EVER been a WORSE HOST than Jimmy Kimmel at The Oscars. His opening was that of a less than average person trying too hard to be something which he is not and never can be." Kimmel read the post live on air and shot back "I’m surprised you’re still watching…isn’t it past your jail time?" After Trump won the election Kimmel said "It was a terrible night for everyone who voted against him. And guess what? It was a bad night for everyone who voted for him too. You just don’t realize it yet." When CBS announced plans to cancel Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show after its current season ends in 2026 Trump cheered. He added "I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next."

It was announced Friday Jimmy Kimmel Live! would return to air on Nexstar stations nationwide. Nexstar told its staff the station group’s removal of the ABC late-night show was not "a violation of the First Amendment." In an internal memo CEO Perry Sook and president Michael Biard told employees "cooler heads" won in the controversy over Kimmel’s comments about Donald Trump and his MAGA base’s response to the Charlie Kirk shooting. The executives also defended the decision to pull Live! off affiliate stations on September 17.

"We also want to address questions raised about the First Amendment," Sook and Biard wrote. "No one has an unlimited right to say whatever they want on a talk show. Every network and station has made tough calls when on-air conduct crosses a line. That isn’t a violation of the First Amendment — it’s an exercise of editorial responsibility and stewardship of the public airwaves. As we said in our press release Nexstar remains committed to protecting the First Amendment delivering fact-based and unbiased news and broadcasting content that best serves our communities. These principles guided us throughout this process and will continue to do so."

Backlash occurred over the decision by Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Entertainment boss Dana Walden to take Kimmel’s show off ABC’s air "indefinitely." The executives decided to bring the show back. During Kimmel’s opening monologue in his first show back Tuesday Robert De Niro made a cameo. Kimmel did not offer an explicit apology as station groups like Sinclair wanted. However Kimmel addressed the situation head-on. He expressed regret to anyone upset by his comments.

Kimmel continued to poke fun at Trump and FCC chairman Brendan Carr for the rest of the show. Tuesday’s return of Jimmy Kimmel Live! brought the show’s second-highest rated episode ever. Nexstar and Sinclair did not initially broadcast Kimmel’s return on their stations in cities like Seattle Nashville and Washington D.C. Both announced they would return Live! to their stations tonight. Sources say no formal conditions were placed on Kimmel or Disney for his return to the affiliate stations. Both Nexstar’s and Sinclair’s current affiliate contacts with ABC expire next year. The two station groups’ market share is relatively low. The return of Jimmy Kimmel Live! to the affiliates comes days before the show moves to Brooklyn for its annual week of high-profile episodes in New York City.