Citizens and comedians alike have called for free speech as Jimmy Kimmel is set to return on ABC after being suspended.
Less than an hour before "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" returns from its controversial suspension, President Donald Trump seemingly threatened to sue ABC over its decision to bring back the late-night TV host on-air.
On Sept. 17, ABC shockingly revealed Jimmy Kimmel's show would be "pre-empted" indefinitely following outrage from the Federal Communications Commission Chairman, Brendan Carr, over comments the host made about Charlie Kirk's death, his politics and Trump's reaction to the fatal shooting. However, the Walt Disney Company announced Kimmel's show would return to air on Tuesday, Sept. 23, after "thoughtful conversations."
Ahead of Kimmel's highly anticipated monologue, the president took to Truth Social to share he was appalled by ABC's decision and insinuated he would file a lawsuit against the network.
"I can't believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back," Trump wrote. "The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his 'talent' was never there."
USA TODAY has reached out to ABC regarding Trump's cancellation assumptions.
"Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who's not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE," Trump continued.
Kimmel's suspension came after FCC chairman Carr seemingly threatened ABC, Disney and Kimmel during a YouTube episode of commentator Benny Johnson's show on Sept. 17 where he said, "We can do this the easy way or the hard way."
Nexstar Media Group Inc. later confirmed on Sept. 17 that it would stop airing the show on its 32 ABC affiliates, while the Sinclair Broadcast Group said it would replace Kimmel's Friday timeslot with a remembrance special honoring Kirk across its ABC affiliates (which they later backpedaled on Monday, Sept. 22).
Trump also called Kimmel "another arm" of the Democratic National Committee and said that, to the best of his knowledge, ABC airing the show would be considered a "major Illegal Campaign Contribution."
Trump also referenced the March 2024 lawsuit against ABC News and host George Stephanopoulos over questions regarding E. Jean Carroll, whom juries found the president liable for sexually abusing and defaming. In December, ABC News agreed to a $15 million settlement, according to Reuters.
"I think we're going to test ABC out on this. Let's see how we do," Trump threatened on Tuesday, Sept. 23. "Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings."
Kimmel's suspension came after FCC chairman Carr seemingly threatened ABC, Disney and Kimmel during a YouTube episode of commentator Benny Johnson's show on Sept. 17 where he said, "We can do this the easy way or the hard way."
Nexstar Media Group Inc. later confirmed on Sept. 17 that it would stop airing the show on its 32 ABC affiliates, while the Sinclair Broadcast Group said it would replace Kimmel's Friday timeslot with a remembrance special honoring Kirk across its ABC affiliates (which they later backpedaled on Monday, Sept. 22).
Even after Disney's statement on Monday, Sinclair still wasn't budging on their stance on Kimmel.
"Beginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming," the company said in a statement to USA TODAY. "Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show's potential return."
Nexstar Media Group, Inc. announced on Tuesday, Sept. 23, that it will still not be airing the show on its ABC affiliate stations. "We stand by that decision pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve," the company said in a press release.