Jimmy Kimmel was supposed to be terminated “indefinitely” from ABC News after his bold remarks on recent political events regarding the assassination of a political figure and close ally to Trump, Charlie Kirk. On September 15th, Kimmel faced national backlash after indicating Kirk’s attacker had links to MAGA.
“We hit some new lows over the weekend, with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.” – Jimmy Kimmel, 2025.
Soon after the show’s broadcast, Brendan Carr, head of the Federal Communications Commission, openly denounced Kimmel’s actions and conducted an interview, demanding that Disney withdraw “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Following this interview, Nexstar Media Group, which is responsible for several ABC affiliate stations, announced that it would cease airing the show “for the foreseeable future” due to Kimmel’s monologue. Nonetheless, Jimmy Kimmel is back. And he won’t back down, not even to the President of the United States.
On September 24th, Kimmel returned to the screens of American homes, much to the dismay of the Trump Administration and the anti-left. One would expect Kimmel to play it safe, conceivably, and to only apologize to avoid any further repercussions. However, Kimmel didn’t just apologize; he responded to the Trump Administration’s threats while assuming responsibility for his actions.
“Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what – it was obviously a deeply disturbed individual,” Kimmel said tearfully. “That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make, but I understand that to some that felt either ill-timed or unclear, or maybe both. And for those who think I did point a finger, I get why you’re upset. If the situation was reversed, there’s a good chance I’d have felt the same way.” He then continued with an impactful message to his audience about the show. “My show isn’t important. What’s important is that we live in a country where this show can exist”.
Soon after his heartfelt discourse, Kimmel made clear he would not be forced into silence after taking a hit on Trump, stating that President Trump “did his best to cancel me,” but that “instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show.” He then proceeded to state, “The President of the United States made it very clear he wants to see me and the hundreds of people who work here fired from our jobs. Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he can’t take a joke… One thing I did learn from Lenny Bruce and George Carlin and Howard Stern, is that a government threat to silence a comedian the President doesn’t like is anti-American,” he ended.
Jimmy Kimmel brought his monologue to an end by reflecting on Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s wife. He publicly commended her forgiveness during her late husband’s memorial. “Erika Kirk forgave the man who shot her husband,” Kimmel said. “That is an example we should follow.”
Ultimately, Kimmel was right about one thing: the late-night show broke through records in its return after a week-long absence. The episode drew 6.3 million viewers, nearly three times its average ratings, despite a quarter of ABC stations in the U.S. refusing to broadcast the show. A further 19 million people watched Kimmel’s emotional 28-minute monologue on social media, with the number still climbing.
Will Jimmy Kimmel’s return remain “indefinite?” That remains to be seen in the future. Nonetheless, one thing is sure- Trump is not happy.
Sources:
Blumenthal, Sidney. “With Kimmel’s Suspension, the FCC Chair Made Himself Trump’s Chief of Comedy.” The Guardian, The Guardian, September 24th 2025, www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/sep/24/jimmy-kimmel-suspension-fcc-brendan-carr-trump.
Horton, Adrian, and Anna Betts. “Jimmy Kimmel Says Silencing Comedians Is “Anti-American”, as His Show Returns to Air after Suspension.” The Guardian, The Guardian, September 24th 2025, www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/sep/24/jimmy-kimmel-says-trump-tried-his-best-to-cancel-him-as-his-show-returns-to-air-after-suspension.
Jimmy Kimmel Live. “Jimmy Kimmel Is Back!” YouTube, September 23rd 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1tjh_ZO_tY.
Schoppa, Cameron. “”Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Kicked off the Air. Are Other Late Night Show Hosts Next?” Newsweek, September 19th 2025,www.newsweek.com/jimmy-kimmel-live-kicked-off-air-are-other-late-night-show-hosts-next-2132715. Accessed September 25th 2025.
Zemler, Emily. “Jimmy Kimmel Responds to Donald Trump’s Threats to Sue ABC.” Rolling Stone, September 25th 2025, www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/jimmy-kimmel-donald-trump-threats-abc-1235435056/. Accessed September 25th 2025.
