"True bunch of losers!": Trump threatens legal action against ABC after 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' is reinstated

President Trump lashed out at ABC ahead of Jimmy Kimmel Live!'s return on Tuesday. On September 17, Disney subsidiary ABC pulled the late-night show off the air “indefinitely” over Kimmel’s comments about Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer. The decision came after online backlash over the host's remarks.

However, on Monday, Disney released a statement announcing that Jimmy Kimmel's show would be reinstated on September 23. President Trump, who supported the suspension, slammed the network hours before the show's return on TV.

In his Tuesday post on Truth Social, the POTUS hinted at possible action against the network following the show's comeback. Donald Trump referenced the $16 million settlement ABC paid him after he filed a defamation lawsuit against the network in 2024.

"I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled!... I think we’re going to test ABC out on this. Let’s see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings," the President posted.

Last week, ABC’s decision to pause the show came after Nexstar Media announced it would preempt the program on its ABC affiliates across the United States. This announcement came after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr demanded action against Jimmy Kimmel over his remarks about Charlie Kirk's murder suspect.

Many on the internet accused Carr of threatening the network. However, the FCC chairman denied these allegations. As per Deadline, at the Concordia Summit on Monday, Brendan Carr said that he didn't threaten the network in any way and denied the involvement of the FCC in ABC's decision.

The suspension drew criticism online, and many expressed solidarity with Kimmel. Now, as the show made its comeback, President Trump voiced disapproval and questioned the network's decision.

President Donald Trump accused Jimmy Kimmel of partisanship

In his September 23 post on Truth Social, while criticizing the network, the US President also made some political allegations against the late-night host. He also questioned the "talent" of Jimmy Kimmel.

"The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his “talent” was never there. Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who’s not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE," the President commented.

The POTUS went on to call the host an arm of his opposition party and described the reinstatement as an "illegal campaign contribution."

"He is yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution," Trump added.

This was not the first time the US President remarked on Kimmel's talent and the show's ratings. Earlier, when ABC put the show on hold, Trump reacted to it in a Truth Social post and said, "Kimmel has zero talent."

"Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. 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 posted.

On Tuesday night, Jimmy Kimmel Live! made a comeback, and the host addressed the suspension of his show in his monologue. Kimmel later clarified his remarks about the suspect in Charlie Kirk’s killing, saying it was never his “intention” to “make light of the murder of a young man.” The Tuesday episode was also released on YouTube.

About the author

Anuj Singh Kushwaha is a podcast writer at Sportskeeda. He has a Bachelor's degree in Economics and a Master’s Degree in History. While preparing for civil services, he started actively engaging in news analysis, beginning to write blogs on technology, finance, and lifestyle as a side gig.

In his pieces, he strives to maintain accuracy and clarity, ensuring relevance and avoiding sensationalism. Prior to joining Sportskeeda, he gained valuable experience at PenDown Writing Services.

A passionate foodie, he enjoys writing on diverse flavors and culinary cultures. He finds the opportunity to share exciting gastronomic trends rewarding, and enjoys connecting people through their shared love for food. In his personal time, he plays virtual chess with friends, and likes to browse a range of videos across YouTube.

Anuj also enjoys taking evening strolls and relishing the local street food. His favorite actor is Keanu Reeves, whom he admires for his humility and generosity, as well as his acting skills in films such as The Matrix and John Wick.

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Edited by Anuj Singh Kushwaha