Trump blasts ABC for bringing Jimmy Kimmel back: 'Let him rot in his bad ratings’
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump lashed out at ABC, accusing Jimmy Kimmel of peddling “99% positive Democrat garbage” and suggesting the network’s decision could amount to an “illegal campaign contribution” after reinstating 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'
"I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday, September 23, claiming that “the White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled!”
Trump blasts ABC for bringing back Jimmy Kimmel
Trump alleged that Kimmel never had talent and suggested something happened between the suspension and reinstatement. “Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his ‘talent’ was never there.”
The president then questioned why the network would “want someone back who does so poorly, who’s not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE.”
Trump escalated his attack by portraying ABC’s move as politically motivated: “He is yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution.”
He warned that his administration could step in, adding: “I think we’re going to test ABC out on this. Let’s see how we do.”
Trump cites legal payout, mocks ABC as 'losers'
The president also pointed to past legal fights as proof. “Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative,” he boasted.
Trump closed his tirade with a blunt jab: “A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings.”
Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension to reinstatement
Kimmel was never officially fired, but ABC temporarily suspended his show earlier this month after FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr warned network affiliates of “potential agency action.” Trump hailed the suspension.
The move backfired, as critics across the political spectrum accused ABC of bowing to political pressure. Former President Barack Obama and former Disney CEO Michael Eisner criticized the decision, while Republicans such as Sen Rand Paul and Sen Ted Cruz argued that Carr had gone too far.
Carr later walked back his remarks, insisting he had not threatened to revoke licenses. Soon after, ABC announced that Kimmel’s show would return to air.
Trump lawsuit settlement with ABC fuels fresh media clash
The controversy follows Disney’s settlement of Trump’s defamation lawsuit against ABC and anchor George Stephanopoulos, who in March 2024 incorrectly claimed Trump was “found liable for rape.” A jury in fact found him liable for s*xual assault.
Trump’s latest salvo, suggesting that Kimmel’s presence amounts to an “illegal campaign contribution,” raises questions about his next move. His blistering post makes clear he views Kimmel’s reinstatement not only as political bias but also as a sign of another high-stakes clash with one of America’s biggest media companies.
