SAEDNEWS: US President Donald Trump lashed out Tuesday hours before Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show was due to be back on the air in the United States, insulting the host, and threatening to “test ABC” over the move.
Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show was set to return Tuesday after a week-long hiatus sparked by government pressure on broadcasters—a move critics called a chilling effect on free speech.
However, two major companies owning dozens of ABC affiliates, Nexstar and Sinclair, confirmed they would continue their boycott, providing viewers “other programming relevant to their respective markets.”
The controversy erupted after Kimmel’s remarks about right-wing activist Charlie Kirk’s murder, which conservatives, including former President Donald Trump, deemed offensive. Trump took to his platform Truth Social, attacking Kimmel and ABC for airing “99% positive Democrat GARBAGE.”
Kimmel, who often satirizes Trump and his allies, faced suspension after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) appeared to threaten ABC affiliate licenses unless the host was removed. The suspension led to widespread backlash from liberal circles and even some conservatives, highlighting fears of government influence over free speech.
Disney initially suspended the show nationwide, citing an effort to “avoid further inflaming a tense situation,” but reversed the decision after “thoughtful conversations” with Kimmel.
Fans attending Tuesday’s taping expressed excitement and anticipation. 18-year-old Paul Dorner said, “I would love for him to just put up a fight and stand up for what he thinks.” Rogelio Nunez, 38, traveled from San Diego, adding, “We need to make sure that we’re not being censored… it’s important to protect our rights.”
Kimmel’s return promises a tense and highly anticipated opening monologue, with celebrity guests Glen Powell and Sarah McLachlan slated to appear. On Instagram, Kimmel posted a tribute to late producer Norman Lear, a free speech advocate, captioning the photo: “Missing this guy today.”
The episode underscores the ongoing tension in U.S. media between political pressure, corporate decisions, and the public’s right to uncensored expression.
