Donald Trump Applauds Jimmy Kimmel Live! Suspension After Controversial Monologue
Former U.S. President Donald Trump celebrated ABC’s decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! after the late-night host sparked backlash with remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s killing.
The network announced on Wednesday that the show was being pulled indefinitely, just two months after The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was canceled. Trump immediately praised the move on his Truth Social platform.
Trump’s Reaction
“Great news for America: the ratings-challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED,” Trump wrote. “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.”
Trump also targeted NBC’s remaining late-night hosts, Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers: “That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!!”
Why ABC Suspended Kimmel
Disney-owned ABC said the suspension was linked to Kimmel’s September 15 monologue, where he referenced Trump supporters and criticized how the right responded to Kirk’s death.
During the broadcast, Kimmel accused right-wing groups of “trying to score political points” and mocked Vice President JD Vance for blaming liberals without evidence. He also cited research linking most extremist violence in the U.S. to far-right groups, dismissing Vance’s claims as “complete nonsense.”
The late-night host further mocked Trump’s online tributes to Kirk, comparing them to “how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish,” sparking outrage among conservative groups.
Backlash and Industry Response
FCC chair Brendan Carr, appointed during Trump’s presidency, urged broadcasters to pull Kimmel’s show, warning they could face fines or license challenges. Major station owners, including Nexstar Media and Sinclair Broadcast Group, quickly distanced themselves. Sinclair even announced it would air a tribute to Charlie Kirk during Kimmel’s timeslot.
Political Context
Kimmel’s suspension comes just weeks after Trump predicted the comedian would be “next” following the cancellation of Colbert’s late-night program. Trump has long clashed with late-night hosts, accusing them of pushing “fake news” and insulting conservative Americans.
As of now, Kimmel has not issued a public statement on the suspension.