Just hours before the return of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show, US President Donald Trump launched a tirade, criticizing the host and threatening to “test ABC” due to their actions.
Kimmel’s program is set to resume Tuesday night after a week-long break following governmental pressure on broadcasters, which critics argue suppresses free speech.
Despite this, two major companies owning numerous ABC affiliates have decided to continue their boycott, offering viewers alternative programming tailored to their markets.
Trump took to his Truth Social platform to attack Kimmel and accused ABC of broadcasting “99% positive Democrat GARBAGE.”
The 79-year-old Republican stated, “I think we’re going to test ABC on this. Let’s see the outcome. Last time I confronted them, they gave me $16 million dollars.”
In December, ABC agreed to donate $15 million to Trump’s future presidential library to settle a defamation lawsuit, avoiding court proceedings.
Additionally, CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, paid a separate $16 million settlement for a lawsuit related to an interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Attention will be on Kimmel’s opening monologue, where he is anticipated to address his suspension, prompted by remarks following the death of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
“I don’t want him to apologize immediately,” said 18-year-old Paul Dorner, waiting for the show’s audience seating. “I hope he stands firm on his beliefs.”
Rogelio Nunez, 38, traveled from San Diego for the Hollywood taping, saying, “We must ensure we’re not being censored. It’s crucial to protect our rights, beyond just entertainment.”
‘The MAGA gang’
Kimmel, known for his critiques of Trump and his circle, angered conservatives by stating “the MAGA gang” was exploiting Kirk’s campus murder for political advantage.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr hinted at threatening ABC affiliates’ licenses unless they demanded Kimmel’s removal—a stance Trump has often supported.
Following this, Nexstar and Sinclair, which own many affiliates, announced the show’s removal from their schedules, leading Disney to suspend the show nationwide.
Sinclair demanded Kimmel apologize to Kirk’s family and donate to Turning Point USA, a right-wing group, and stated Monday their affiliates would not air the show upon its return.
Nexstar echoed this stance on Tuesday, saying, “We decided to preempt ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’… We stand by this decision until we ensure all parties are committed to fostering respectful, constructive dialogue in our markets.”
Kimmel’s sudden absence angered liberal groups, who claimed he was targeted for criticizing Trump, viewing it as a step towards government control over free speech, a constitutional right.
Some right-wing figures, including Trump allies like Senator Ted Cruz and broadcaster Tucker Carlson, also expressed unease.
Trump often complains about negative media coverage, calling it “illegal” and suing several outlets.
Disney’s ABC settled a lawsuit with Trump, agreeing to a multi-million dollar payment, seen as a move to avoid further conflict with the president.
After suspending Kimmel, Disney faced backlash, including consumer cancellations and criticism from Hollywood insiders, seen as a weak response to governmental pressure.
By Monday, Disney reversed its decision, stating the suspension aimed to “avoid escalating a tense national moment” and described Kimmel’s comments as “ill-timed and insensitive.” They announced the show’s return after “thoughtful conversations with Jimmy.”
Actor Glen Powell and singer Sarah McLachlan are scheduled for Tuesday night’s show.
Kimmel has not publicly commented but posted a photo on Instagram with late producer Norman Lear, an advocate for free speech, captioned: “Missing this guy today.”
