Jimmy Kimmel Extends ABC Contract Amid Political Controversy and Trump Feud

Jimmy Kimmel has renewed his agreement with Disney's ABC network, extending his tenure by one year according to sources revealed on Monday. This development comes several months after his popular late-night program was temporarily removed from broadcasting during a public disagreement with President Donald Trump's administration.

The veteran talk show host will continue to present "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" until mid-2027, as confirmed to AFP by an individual knowledgeable about the arrangement. His previous contract was scheduled to conclude in May of the upcoming year.

This contract extension follows a notable conflict between the White House and Kimmel that erupted after the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel, known for his satirical commentary on Trump and his associates, provoked criticism from conservative circles when he suggested that "the MAGA gang" was attempting to capitalize on the university campus homicide.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr, appointed under Trump, appeared to issue an implicit warning to ABC affiliate stations broadcasting Kimmel's show, suggesting potential license implications unless they sought his removal. Subsequently, two major broadcasting companies, Nexstar and Sinclair, which operate numerous affiliate stations, announced their decision to drop the show from their programming lineup, compelling Disney to temporarily suspend nationwide broadcasts.

Following significant public outcry and support from entertainment industry figures, Kimmel returned to television after a one-week absence, delivering a powerful opening monologue in which he denounced governmental censorship attempts as fundamentally "anti-American."

Since his return, Kimmel has continued his comedic critiques of Trump, including jokes about the former president allegedly falling asleep during meetings and mispronouncing names of international leaders with whom he claims to have negotiated peace agreements.

Trump, for his part, maintains his opposition to Kimmel. During a revamped awards ceremony at the Kennedy Center on Sunday evening, he described the comedian as "horrible" while predicting the show would attract substantial viewership. "If I can't beat out Jimmy Kimmel in terms of talent, then I don't think I should be president," Trump remarked.