US President Donald Trump has strongly criticized ABC Network for reinstating talk show host Jimmy Kimmel just days after suspending him over controversial remarks on the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
Kimmel’s show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, was suspended last Wednesday following public backlash. However, ABC announced its return less than a week later, saying they had “thoughtful conversations” with the host before resuming broadcasts.
Trump, visibly angered, took to Truth Social, accusing the network of bias and poor judgment.
“I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. His audience is gone, and his ‘talent’ was never there,” Trump wrote.
He alleged that Kimmel’s content is “99% positive Democrat garbage” and warned ABC that airing the show could be seen as an “illegal campaign contribution.” Trump even referenced a past defamation settlement in which ABC donated $16 million to his presidential library, hinting at possible legal action again.
“Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad ratings,” Trump concluded, threatening to “test ABC out on this one.”
Meanwhile, Kimmel addressed the controversy during his first show back, saying it was never his intention to make light of Kirk’s killing.
“I don’t think there’s anything funny about it,” Kimmel said, adding that he never sought to blame any group for the actions of a “deeply disturbed individual.”
The incident has sparked a fresh round of debate over media freedom, political bias, and responsibility in late-night television.
