In a surprising twist for late-night television, ABC has indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! following controversial remarks host Jimmy Kimmel made after the tragic death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. What makes the story even more remarkable is that former President Donald Trump appeared to predict Kimmel’s exit weeks before it happened.
Trump’s Criticism of Late-Night Hosts
During a recent interview with Brian Glenn of Real America’s Voice, Trump was asked about Howard Stern’s reported split with SiriusXM. The former president used the moment to launch a broader critique of what he called the “hate-Trump business model” in entertainment—a strategy he believes has been losing popularity among Americans.
“Colbert has no talent,” Trump said, dismissing Stephen Colbert, whose Late Show ended earlier this summer. “Fallon has no talent. Kimmel has no talent. They’re next. I hear they are going to be going.”
While many dismissed the comments as typical Trump bravado, Kimmel’s suspension just weeks later has fueled speculation that the former president’s remarks may have been more than bluster.
The Controversy Surrounding Kimmel
The backlash against Kimmel escalated after he criticized efforts by some right-wing figures to politicize Kirk’s death. “The MAGA gang [is] desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them,” Kimmel said during his monologue.
At the same time, Kimmel expressed sympathy for Kirk’s family on social media. “Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human?” he wrote, calling for compassion rather than division.
Despite his attempt to balance empathy with criticism, the comments proved polarizing, leading to mounting public pressure on ABC and its affiliates.
Corporate and Political Pressures
The decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! was first reported by Nexstar, which controls a large number of ABC affiliates. Notably, Nexstar is currently seeking regulatory approval for a $6.2 billion acquisition—an approval that depends heavily on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). FCC Chair Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, was among those who openly criticized Kimmel.
Disney-owned ABC quickly followed with its own announcement confirming the show’s suspension, marking the first time the network has pulled the program since its debut in 2003.
Trump Celebrates the Suspension
True to form, Trump wasted no time in celebrating the news on Truth Social. “Great news for America: The ratings-challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED,” he wrote. He went on to call Kimmel “a zero-talent host” with “worse ratings than Colbert, if that’s possible.”
Trump also took the opportunity to go after other late-night hosts, labeling Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers as “two total losers” with equally poor ratings. “Do it NBC!!!” he urged, pushing for their cancellation as well.
What This Means for Late-Night TV
Kimmel has yet to issue a statement on his suspension, leaving questions about his future unanswered. However, the controversy underscores the declining influence of late-night television as streaming platforms and political divisions reshape how audiences consume entertainment.
Once seen as a unifying space for comedy and commentary, late-night TV has increasingly become a battleground for political ideologies. With Colbert’s cancellation, Kimmel’s suspension, and Trump calling for more shows to end, the format’s future appears more uncertain than ever.
