Trump Lashes Out as Suspended TV Host Kimmel Returns to Air

US President Donald Trump lashed out on Tuesday just hours before Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show returned to air in the United States, insulting the host and warning he would “test ABC” over the broadcaster’s decision.

Kimmel’s show resumed after a week-long hiatus, which followed government pressure on broadcasters that critics described as a chilling effect on free speech.

However, two major companies owning dozens of ABC affiliates have announced they will continue their boycott, providing viewers with “other programming relevant to their respective markets.”

Trump, taking to his Truth Social platform, accused ABC of airing “99% positive Democrat GARBAGE” and threatened to “test ABC” once again.

“Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 million dollars,” the 79-year-old Republican said.

ABC had agreed in December to donate $15 million to Trump’s eventual presidential library to settle a defamation suit, avoiding a court battle. Separately, Paramount Global, CBS’s parent company, paid $16 million to settle another lawsuit involving an interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris.

All eyes were on Kimmel’s opening monologue, expected to address his suspension, which followed comments about the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.

“I don’t want him to apologise as soon as he comes in,” said Paul Dorner, 18, waiting for a seat. “I would love for him to just put up a fight and stand up for what he thinks.”

Rogelio Nunez, 38, had travelled from San Diego for the taping in Hollywood.

“We need to make sure that we’re not being censored,” he said.
“So besides just coming for entertainment, I think it’s important to protect our rights.”

Kimmel, a frequent critic of Trump and his circle, angered conservatives last week when he claimed “the MAGA gang” was exploiting Kirk’s campus murder for political gain.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr appeared to threaten the licenses of ABC affiliates unless Kimmel was removed from the air, something Trump has repeatedly demanded.

In response, Nexstar and Sinclair, companies owning numerous ABC affiliates, announced they would remove the show from their schedules, prompting Disney to suspend it nationwide.

Sinclair, which had demanded Kimmel apologise to Kirk’s family and donate to Turning Point USA, confirmed on Monday its affiliates would not broadcast the show. Nexstar followed suit on Tuesday.

“We made a decision last week to preempt ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’… We stand by that decision pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve,” the company said.

Kimmel’s suspension sparked outrage in liberal circles, with critics arguing he had been targeted for being critical of Trump. Many viewed it as a government encroachment on free speech, a right enshrined in the US Constitution.

Even some conservatives, including Senator Ted Cruz and broadcaster Tucker Carlson, expressed unease.

Trump has repeatedly complained about negative media coverage, calling it “illegal” and filing lawsuits against multiple outlets. ABC had already settled one lawsuit with Trump via a multi-million dollar payment, perceived as an attempt to appease the often-vengeful president.

Disney faced backlash over Kimmel’s suspension, including consumer cancellations and criticism from Hollywood creators, prompting the network to reverse its decision.

“The suspension had been an effort to avoid further inflaming a tense situation… Kimmel’s comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive,” Disney said, adding the show would return after “thoughtful conversations with Jimmy.”

Kimmel’s guests for the return included actor Glen Powell and singer Sarah McLachlan.

The host has made no public comment about the suspension but posted an Instagram photo with late producer Norman Lear, renowned for advocating free speech, captioned: “Missing this guy today.”

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