Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon.
US President Donald Trump has criticized late-night host Jimmy Kimmel following the indefinite suspension of his show by ABC. The network’s decision came after Kimmel made controversial remarks regarding the recent assassination of political commentator Charlie Kirk and the ensuing reactions from the MAGA movement. Kimmel’s comments, which he made during his monologue, suggested that the movement was attempting to absolve the alleged perpetrator, Tyler Robinson, of any association with them.
An ABC spokesperson confirmed that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” would be pre-empted indefinitely, a change prompted by objections from Nexstar, which operates numerous ABC affiliates. Nexstar deemed Kimmel’s remarks “offensive and insensitive,” stating they do not reflect the diverse opinions of local communities. President of Nexstar’s broadcasting division Andrew Alford emphasized the decision aimed to promote “respectful, constructive dialogue” in the wake of the incident.
In response to the suspension, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to celebrate the action against a prominent critic. He remarked, “Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED,” commending ABC for its decision. Trump further directed his ire at other late-night hosts, specifically Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, calling them “total losers” and criticizing their ratings.
Kimmel’s comments during his monologue included strong language aimed at the MAGA group, accusing them of attempting to manipulate the narrative surrounding Kirk’s death for political gain. He criticized Trump’s response, likening it to how a child might react to losing a pet.
Nexstar’s decision coincides with its pursuit of regulatory approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a significant acquisition deal worth $6.2 billion involving broadcast station Tegna. The timing has sparked speculation about potential political motivations behind the suspension.
The controversy surrounding Kimmel has sparked a wider debate on free speech, with support for the host emerging from various public figures, including actor Ben Stiller and political commentator Chris Hayes. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the actions taken against Kimmel, labeling them part of a coordinated effort to suppress dissenting voices. He stated, “The Republican Party does not believe in free speech. They are censoring you in real time.”
Kimmel has been a vocal critic of Trump and his policies on ABC’s late-night show since its debut in 2003. His contract is set to expire at the end of the next season, which concludes in May 2026. The suspension of his show adds to a growing narrative about the challenges faced by media figures who dissent from mainstream political views.
As discussions continue about the implications of Kimmel’s suspension, it remains to be seen how this incident will affect the landscape of late-night television and the broader discourse around freedom of expression in the media.
