"Because His Audience Is Gone": Trump On ABC Reuniting With Jimmy Kimmel

US President Donald Trump expresses disbelief over ABC Network's decision to reinstate late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel days after his show was suspended.

President Trump claims Kimmel endangers the network by broadcasting "99% positive Democrat garbage."

New Delhi:

US President Donald Trump has expressed incredulity regarding ABC Network's decision to reinstate late-night host Jimmy Kimmel shortly after his show was suspended. The President has indicated he may "test ABC out on this" matter.

On September 16, during an episode of "Jimmy Kimmel Live," the host made controversial comments about right-wing activist Charlie Kirk's killing, criticized President Trump's response to his friend's death, and questioned FBI Director Kash Patel's handling of the assassination investigation.

These remarks triggered significant backlash. Subsequently, Nexstar – one of America's largest owners of ABC affiliate stations – announced it would cease broadcasting "Jimmy Kimmel Live" for "the foreseeable future."

However, by Monday, Disney announced the show would resume broadcasting on Tuesday.

Regarding Kimmel's reinstatement, President Trump wrote on Truth Social: "I can't believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled!"

Speculating on the reasons behind ABC's reconciliation with Kimmel, Trump added, "Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his 'talent' was never there. 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. He is yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution."

President Trump stated that the government will "test ABC out on this." While not clarifying the specifics, he referenced a previous incident where ABC reportedly paid him $16 million. "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 return has not been universally accepted within the broadcast industry. According to the Associated Press, two ABC affiliate groups that condemned Kimmel last week refuse to carry his show. Nexstar Media Group announced it would continue to preempt the program "pending assurances that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve." Similarly, Sinclair Broadcast Group stated it would keep Kimmel off its stations. Together, these corporations control approximately 25% of ABC affiliates.

The controversy began when Charlie Kirk, a close Trump associate, was fatally shot on September 10 at Utah Valley University when a bullet struck his neck during a speaking engagement. Kimmel addressed the shooting during his show's monologue.

"We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterise this kid (Tyler Robinson) who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it," Kimmel stated.

The host then played footage of President Trump responding to questions about coping with Kirk's death. In the video, Trump replied: "I think very good. And by the way, right there, you see all the trucks? They just started construction of the new ballroom for the White House, which is something they've been trying to get, as you know, for about 150 years, and it is going to be a beauty."

Criticizing Trump's response, Kimmel remarked, "Yes, he's at the fourth stage of grief. Construction. Demolition. Construction. This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish, okay? And it didn't just happen once."

Following the controversy, Nexstar issued a statement through broadcasting president Andrew Alford saying the company "strongly objects" to Kimmel's comments. "Mr. Kimmel's comments about the death of Mr Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located."

President Trump initially celebrated the show's suspension, writing on Truth Social: "Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED," and congratulated ABC for "finally having courage" to take such action.