US President Donald Trump has publicly criticized late-night host Jimmy Kimmel following the indefinite suspension of his show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” The suspension stems from Kimmel’s comments regarding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which were deemed offensive by the network’s affiliate, Nexstar. This incident is part of a larger conversation about media accountability and political commentary in the United States.
Kimmel’s remarks came after the tragic incident at a university where Kirk was killed, during which he suggested that the MAGA movement was attempting to politicize the event. In a statement, he criticized the efforts to distance the alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, from the movement, claiming it was an attempt to score political points. Following these comments, an ABC spokesperson confirmed that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” would be “pre-empted indefinitely,” citing Nexstar’s objections to Kimmel’s statements.
In a response from Trump, he celebrated the suspension, stating, “Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED.” He expressed approval of ABC’s decision, labeling Kimmel as lacking talent and suggesting his ratings were even lower than those of fellow late-night host Stephen Colbert. Trump also aimed jabs at other late-night hosts, specifically Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon, urging NBC to take similar action against them.
Kimmel defended his comments during his monologue, stating, “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang.” He further criticized Trump’s handling of Kirk’s death, implying that his response was immature. Kimmel’s comments drew swift condemnation from Nexstar, which operates numerous ABC affiliates. President of Nexstar’s broadcasting division, Andrew Alford, stated that Kimmel’s remarks did not reflect the views of the communities served by their stations.
Nexstar’s decision to suspend the show coincides with its ongoing effort to secure approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a significant $6.2 billion acquisition of broadcasting company Tegna. This has raised concerns about the influence of corporate interests on media freedom.
The suspension of Kimmel’s show has also sparked discussions about free speech. White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich commented on social media, describing the situation as a manifestation of “Consequence Culture.” He remarked that ABC was finally taking a stand against what he characterized as unreasonable commentary.
Kimmel has garnered support from various figures, including actors Ben Stiller and Josh Gad, and political commentators. California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his concerns over what he sees as an orchestrated attack on free expression, asserting that the Republican Party is actively working to suppress dissenting voices.
The ongoing debate over Kimmel’s comments reflects a broader societal concern about the balance between political discourse and media responsibility. Critics argue that the backlash against Kimmel is indicative of a larger trend of censorship targeting media personalities who criticize political figures or parties.
Kimmel, who has hosted his show since 2003, has often been vocal about his opposition to Trump’s policies. His current contract is set to expire at the end of the upcoming season in May 2026. As discussions surrounding media freedom and political commentary continue, the implications of this incident may resonate beyond late-night television, influencing public discourse in the United States and beyond.
