Jimmy Kimmel returned to television on Tuesday after nearly a week-long suspension following his remarks on the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! last Wednesday, but by Monday the network announced the show’s return, saying they had held “thoughtful conversations” with the host before reinstating him.
The decision sparked criticism from President Donald Trump, who voiced his displeasure on Truth Social. He said he would “test ABC out on this one,” suggesting the network’s choice to bring Kimmel back was misguided.
Trump’s reaction
In his post, Trump said he was shocked and disappointed over Kimmel’s return.
“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,” he wrote.
Trump accused Kimmel of promoting “99% positive Democrat garbage” and called him “not funny.”
“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. He is yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution,” Trump continued.
He also referenced a past defamation case involving ABC, in which the network agreed to donate $15 million to his eventual presidential library, and hinted at pursuing another similar move.
“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,” Trump said.
Kimmel’s response
Kimmel directly addressed the controversy in his first monologue after returning to air. He said it was never his intention to make light of Kirk’s assassination.
“I have no illusions about changing anyone’s mind, but I do want to make something clear, because it’s important to me as a human—and that is, you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,” Kimmel said, according to Associated Press.
He added, “I don’t think there’s anything funny about it. Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual. That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make.”
