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The president claims ABC acted after Kimmel's low ratings and controversial comments about Charlie Kirk.
.President Donald Trump has weighed in on ABC's decision to take Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air, framing the move as a much-needed firing rather than a temporary hiatus.
The network announced that the late-night show would be placed on "indefinite pause" following Kimmel's remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was recently assassinated. During his Sept. 15 monologue, Kimmel questioned Trump's reaction to Kirk's death, sparking backlash from conservative groups and Nexstar Media, which threatened to drop the program from its affiliates.
Speaking during his U.K. state visit on Thursday, Sept. 18, Trump, 79, made his position clear.
"Jimmy Kimmel was fired because he had terrible ratings and said awful things about a great man named Charlie Kirk," Trump said. "He's not a talented person. They should have fired him a long time ago. You can call it free speech or not, he was fired for lack of talent."
Kimmel's controversial remarks aired Monday night. In his segment, the comedian criticized Trump for appearing nonchalant about Kirk's murder, joking that the president was more focused on plans for a new White House ballroom than grieving his friend. "This is not how an adult mourns someone they call a friend," Kimmel quipped, comparing Trump's response to a child reacting to a lost goldfish.
ABC confirmed Wednesday, Sept. 17, that the show would be suspended indefinitely. A spokesperson cited "concerns raised by affiliates" over Kimmel's comments. Nexstar, which owns over 200 stations nationwide, stated it would replace Jimmy Kimmel Live! in its ABC markets unless action was taken.
On Truth Social, Trump celebrated the decision. "Great news for America," he posted. "The ratings-challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for having the courage to do what needed to be done." He also took aim at other late-night hosts, calling Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers "two total losers" with equally poor ratings.
While some are applauding ABC's move, others are raising concerns about free speech and political pressure on broadcasters. As debate continues, the future of Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains uncertain, and so does the landscape of late-night television.
