U.S. President Donald Trump has once again set his sights on Disney’s ABC network after it reinstated Jimmy Kimmel Live! following a brief suspension of its host. Kimmel had been taken off air for a week after making controversial remarks about slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
In a social media post Tuesday evening, Trump expressed outrage at Kimmel’s return and accused the comedian of pandering to Democrats. He also questioned the show’s relevance, claiming its audience was “gone.” Trump hinted at another lawsuit against ABC, saying, “Let’s see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative.”
The president was referring to a $15 million settlement he received from ABC in late 2024 after suing the broadcaster for allegedly defamatory coverage during the presidential elections. His latest comments suggest he may attempt a similar legal battle over Kimmel’s reinstatement.
Shortly after Trump’s post, Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned to air, with the comedian continuing to lampoon the president. Kimmel quipped that Trump’s efforts to cancel him had only boosted ratings, adding that the president “might have to release the Epstein files to distract us from this now,” a jab at Trump’s alleged ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The controversy began when Kimmel suggested that Tyler Robinson, the suspect accused of killing Kirk at a Utah university, was aligned with Trump and the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. Kimmel also mocked Trump’s lack of public grief over Kirk’s death, sparking backlash from conservatives.
While Trump hailed Kimmel’s suspension as “great news for America,” critics blasted ABC and Disney for silencing the late-night host. Mounting public pressure eventually led to his reinstatement.
Trump has a long history of clashing with media outlets, regularly suing and criticizing them over coverage he considers defamatory. Just last week, he launched a $15 billion lawsuit against The New York Times.