Donald Trump is once again in the spotlight for his ongoing feud with late-night television, and this time, the focus is on ABC and long-time late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Following Kimmel’s controversial suspension earlier this month, Trump has taken to his platform, Truth Social, to rally against ABC. He branded them as “fake news” and threatened to sue the network for allowing Kimmel to return.
Kimmel was suspended by Disney, ABC’s parent company, after inflammatory comments he made in the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination drew backlash. His absence sparked heated debate on social media, with some calling for his permanent removal, while others rallied to defend him in the name of free speech. However, Trump took it a step further.
Donald Trump Threatens ABC With A Lawsuit
Now, a week after the removal, Kimmel has returned in a limited capacity, though not without turbulence, as major broadcasters Nexstar and Sinclair have refused to air Jimmy Kimmel Live! on their ABC affiliate stations. The comeback has infuriated Donald Trump, who claims ABC misled him by saying the show was cancelled, and who now threatens another high-profile lawsuit. Trump’s statement on Truth Social was explosive.
Related: How Jimmy Kimmel Will Return To TV After Controversial Suspension
He blasted Kimmel’s comedic talent and accused him of being a puppet for the Democratic Party. He even suggested the host’s presence on ABC amounted to an “illegal campaign contribution.” Trump went further, pointing out his previous payout from the network. “I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back… Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who’s not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE“.”
“Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 million. This one sounds even more lucrative,” he concluded. For Trump, this fight seems to be about more than just Kimmel. It represents another chance to strike at what he sees as media bias and capitalize on his long-running war with mainstream networks. Whether or not his legal threats have teeth remains to be seen. Moreover, Trump’s fury taps into the ongoing tension between politics, entertainment, and free speech.
Jimmy Kimmel Shared A Cryptic Post After Cancellation
While Trump’s words set social media ablaze, Jimmy Kimmel himself struck a much quieter, more heartfelt tone upon his return. After nearly a week away from the cameras, Kimmel broke his silence with a post on Instagram. Sharing a photo of himself alongside legendary producer Norman Lear, Kimmel captioned it: “Missing this guy today.” The post drew support from across the entertainment industry.
In case you missed it: Jimmy Kimmel Returns To Air With Emotional Message
For fans, Kimmel’s return was about more than politics; it was about resilience. To supporters, his comeback represented a small victory for free speech and creative expression in an increasingly tense media environment. To critics, it symbolized Disney caving to public pressure instead of standing by its initial suspension. Even so, Kimmel’s message was telling. Rather than responding directly to Trump’s barbs or making light of the controversy, he honored Lear, the late titan of television known for pushing the boundaries of comedy.
In doing so, Kimmel subtly reminded audiences of the role comedy plays in challenging the culture around it. The real question now is whether Trump will follow through with his threat of suing ABC. While his past settlements with networks give him confidence, the legal case here seems shaky. ABC, like any broadcaster, has the authority to decide whom it employs and what content it airs. So, Trump’s argument is unlikely to hold up in court.
