While millions of Americans are excited to see Jimmy Kimmel returning to ABC following a brief suspension, the President of the United States is not among them. In fact, news of Kimmel’s return has sparked outrage from President Donald Trump, who has made it clear ABC is in his crosshairs.
Less than one hour before Kimmel’s return on September 23 with his first new episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live following the suspension, President Trump took to Truth Social to express his displeasure in ABC’s decision. In doing so, he made it clear he’s not opposed to targeting the network.
“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! 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,” President Trump wrote addressing Kimmel’s return.
Citing his $16 million libel settlement from ABC, President Trump made it clear that he’s going to “test ABC” and target the network in looking for a “lucrative” payout.
“He is yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution. 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 $16 million is a direct reference to the libel settlement President Trump won from ABC in December 2024 in connection to remarks made on air by Good Morning America host George Stephanopoulos. Clearly, based on President Trump’s remarks, he feels the network’s decision to bring Kimmel back could result in an even larger settlement.
Kimmel is not likely to address President Trump’s threat to ABC in his September 23 show, as the series is pre-recorded. Therefore, we’ll likely have to wait until Wednesday night before addresses President Trump's comments, if he chooses to do so.
What we do know is that Kimmel’s return is already making national headlines and all eyes are on Jimmy Kimmel Live. While many of Kimmel’s late-night colleagues weighed in with messages of support in the wake of ABC’s decision to suspend Kimmel, Kimmel remained silent. He released no formal statement, nor did he post anything about the suspension on his social media platforms.
That all changes tonight as Kimmel gets the chance to address the world for the first time with a monologue that is certain to make waves and break the internet. And we’re certain one resident at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. will certainly be tuning in to see what exactly Kimmel has to say.