Jimmy Kimmel Makes His Return:
After a week of suspension, Jimmy Kimmel officially returned to ABC’s late-night lineup on September 23. His comeback followed intense debates sparked by comments he made about the “MAGA gang” in connection with the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Disney and ABC faced widespread backlash for pulling the plug on Kimmel’s long-running show earlier this month. Protests, boycotts, and strong support from across Hollywood, including names like Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Jennifer Aniston, Pedro Pascal, and Regina Hall, pushed the network to bring him back.
But the storm is far from over.
Jimmy Kimmel’s emotional monologue/cold open. Part of it#JimmyKimmelLive #jimmykimmel pic.twitter.com/0C2Xkv5I49
— Katt Williams Burner | Pimp Named SlickBack (@dreamlova77) September 24, 2025
Trump Fires Back on Social Media:
Former President Donald Trump wasted no time voicing his disapproval. Writing on Truth Social, Trump lashed out at ABC and Kimmel, calling the host “talentless” and accusing the network of playing into “Democrat garbage.”
“I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. His audience is gone, his talent was never there, and he puts the network in jeopardy,” Trump wrote.
He went further, claiming that Kimmel’s show amounts to a “major illegal campaign contribution” to Democrats and even hinted at potential legal action:
“Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 million. This one sounds even more lucrative.”
Affiliates Still Refuse to Air the Show:
Although ABC reinstated Kimmel, not every station followed suit. Sinclair Broadcasting Group, the largest owner of ABC affiliates in the U.S., announced it will continue to replace Jimmy Kimmel Live! with news programming until Kimmel issues an apology and donates to Charlie Kirk’s family and Turning Point USA.
Nexstar Media Group, another major broadcaster, also said it will replace the show with local programming while “monitoring its content closely.”
Freedom of Speech or Crossing the Line?
The controversy raises larger questions about the role of comedy in political discourse. For some, Kimmel’s sharp political monologues are part of late-night’s DNA. For others, they cross a line, especially in the wake of politically charged tragedies.
Supporters argue that silencing comedians sets a dangerous precedent for free speech. Critics insist that networks have a responsibility to maintain balance and respect for all audiences.
Also Read: The Shocking Truth About Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension – A Closer Look at the Controversy
What Does This Mean for Late-Night TV?
The battle over Kimmel is more than just about one host. It represents the ongoing clash between entertainment, politics, and media freedom in America. With Trump weighing in and broadcasters taking sides, late-night television has once again become a battleground for cultural debates.
For Kimmel, though, the message is clear, he’s not backing down. In his return episode, he said bluntly: “We have to speak out against this.”
