On Tuesday, Donald Trump took to Truth Social to criticize Jimmy Kimmel’s return to late-night television. The President threatened another possible ABC lawsuit and made more claims about the show being poorly rated.

Trump Rages at Jimmy Kimmel’s Late-Night Return: ‘Not Funny’ Host Puts ABC in ‘Jeopardy,’ President Threatens New Lawsuit

LOS ANGELES, CA – Former President Donald Trump unleashed a fresh tirade against late-night host Jimmy Kimmel on Tuesday, slamming ABC for reinstating the comedian just one week after a controversial suspension. In a scathing Truth Social post, Trump labeled Kimmel “not funny” and a ratings disaster, while threatening another multimillion-dollar lawsuit against the network—echoing a recent $16 million settlement over comments by ABC’s George Stephanopoulos.

Trump’s outburst came hours after Kimmel’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” returned to airwaves, marking a defiant comeback amid escalating tensions between the Trump administration and mainstream media. The president accused ABC of folly in reviving the show, writing: “I can’t believe ABC Fake news gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who’s not funny, and who puts the network in jeopardy? A true bunch of losers.”

The post reignited a feud that has simmered since Trump’s reelection, with the president repeatedly targeting Kimmel for satirical jabs at his policies and personal life. Trump claimed the show’s poor performance justified the brief hiatus, but sources close to ABC told ET that ratings were not a factor—contradicting the narrative. “You know what suspended him? His talents. You know what else? His ratings,” Trump added in a follow-up, though insiders dismissed the claims as baseless.

Kimmel’s Suspension: A Clash Over Comedy and Tragedy

Kimmel’s one-week suspension stemmed from a monologue segment last Tuesday, where he mocked Trump’s response to the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kirk, a prominent MAGA figure and Turning Point USA founder, died under mysterious circumstances, prompting widespread speculation. Kimmel quipped: “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.”

The comments drew immediate backlash from Trump allies, including veiled threats from the president’s appointee as FCC chairman, Brendan Carr. Carr suggested the segment violated broadcast standards, hinting at potential investigations into ABC’s licensing. Kimmel addressed the pressure head-on during his return episode, accusing Trump of weaponizing government against critics. “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,” Kimmel said. “Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he can’t take a joke.”

Kimmel used the platform to rally support for free speech, thanking even detractors who defended his right to broadcast. “Maybe most of all, I want to thank the people who don’t support my show and what I believe, but support my right to share those beliefs anyway for telling your followers that our government cannot be allowed to control what we do and do not say on television,” he added. “We have to stand up to it.”

The host also broadened his critique, warning of broader attacks on journalism. “He’s not stopping. And it’s not just comedy. He’s gunning for our journalists, too. He’s suing them. He’s bullying them. It’s so important to have a free press, and it is nuts that we aren’t paying more attention to it,” Kimmel said, referencing Trump’s pattern of legal threats against media outlets.

Echoes of Past Legal Battles and Industry Fears

Trump’s lawsuit threat draws parallels to his February 2025 defamation suit against ABC, filed after Stephanopoulos repeatedly referred to Trump as “liable for sexual abuse” in connection to the E. Jean Carroll case. That dispute settled for $16 million—the largest media payout in recent history—without ABC admitting wrongdoing. Legal experts speculate a Kimmel-related suit could be even more explosive, potentially targeting the show’s content as “defamatory” or in violation of FCC rules.

Media insiders expressed a mix of relief and anxiety over Kimmel’s return. “The times that we’re in right now… a lot of people feel like it’s dire times and it’s a little sad and it’s a little scary,” one industry professional told ET. Reactions to the reinstatement were “joyful,” with many viewing it as a stand against censorship. “There’s a lot of hope that we can still fight a system and speak truths to power,” the source added, emphasizing the role of journalists in challenging authority.

Kimmel’s show, a staple since 2003, has long been a platform for political satire, often skewering Trump during his first term. The comedian’s hiatus fueled speculation of network capitulation to White House pressure, but ABC executives denied any external influence, citing a planned “summer break” adjustment. Nielsen ratings for the return episode spiked 15% over recent averages, buoyed by the controversy.

Broader Implications for Late-Night TV and Free Speech

This clash highlights escalating concerns over media freedom under Trump’s second administration. Critics, including the ACLU, have warned that FCC interventions and lawsuits could chill comedy and reporting alike. “Despite what Trump says, we have to speak out against this,” Kimmel urged viewers, framing his return as a bulwark against authoritarian overreach.

As Trump ramps up his media offensive—recently targeting CBS, CNN, and MSNBC—Kimmel’s resilience has inspired peers like Stephen Colbert and Seth Meyers, who echoed solidarity on their shows. For now, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” soldiers on, but the threat of litigation looms large, testing the boundaries of humor in a polarized era.