"Anti-American": Jimmy Kimmel On Donald Trump's Threats To Silence Him

TV host Jimmy Kimmel defended free speech upon his return to American television on Tuesday, describing government pressure on his late-night talk show as "anti-American" amid widespread criticism characterizing his suspension as an attack on constitutional rights.

In his emotional opening monologue, Kimmel expressed gratitude for the bipartisan public outrage over his suspension, even as President Donald Trump renewed threats to sue ABC, the network carrying Kimmel's show.

"A government attempt to silence a comedian the president dislikes is fundamentally anti-American," Kimmel declared to enthusiastic audience applause.

"Our government must never be permitted to dictate what we can and cannot express on television."

Kimmel, known for his frequent criticism of Trump and his associates, provoked conservative backlash last week when he suggested "the MAGA gang" was attempting to exploit the campus murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.

During Tuesday's show, Kimmel adopted a more conciliatory tone.

"I never intended to trivialize the murder of a young man," he stated, his voice breaking with emotion.

Trump had previously celebrated Kimmel's suspension, and the 79-year-old Republican quickly criticized ABC for allowing the comedian to return to air.

"I believe we'll test ABC on this matter. We'll see how it goes. My previous legal action against them resulted in a $16 Million settlement. This case appears potentially more profitable," Trump wrote on social media shortly before the show's broadcast.

The legal basis for Trump's potential lawsuit remains unclear.

Previous litigation against media organizations—including ABC—was widely considered without merit but settled apparently to placate the president.

Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer characterized the controversy as "a test of democracy," suggesting that Trump "aspires to be king."

"Trump appears compelled to silence anyone with whom he disagrees," Schumer remarked Wednesday. "That strikes at the very heart of American values."

Audience members from the Hollywood taping told AFP that Kimmel struck an appropriate tone.

"He spoke with real eloquence and extended compassion to everyone who's been hurt," said Katie Persico, 34.

"I felt I was witnessing a historic moment for free speech."

The latest confrontation between the Trump administration and media critics unfolded last week when FCC Chairman Brendan Carr seemingly threatened the licenses of ABC affiliates broadcasting Kimmel's show unless they demanded his removal.

Two major companies owning dozens of affiliates—Nexstar and Sinclair—subsequently announced they would remove the show from their schedules, prompting Disney to suspend the show nationwide.

Sinclair, which had demanded Kimmel apologize to Kirk's family and contribute to his right-wing organization Turning Point USA, maintained Monday that its affiliates would not broadcast the show upon its return.

Nexstar followed with a similar announcement Tuesday.

As a result, the show remained unavailable in several major US television markets, including Washington DC, New Orleans, Nashville, and Seattle.

Kimmel's sudden removal from broadcast sparked outrage among liberals, who argued he was targeted for his criticism of Trump.

Critics viewed the incident as another step toward government control of free expression, a right protected by the Constitution.

Some conservatives also expressed discomfort with the situation, including Trump allies like Senator Ted Cruz and controversial broadcaster Tucker Carlson.

Trump frequently objects to negative media coverage, recently going so far as to label it "illegal," and has initiated lawsuits against several media organizations.

Disney, ABC's parent company, faced significant backlash after suspending Kimmel. The decision triggered consumer cancellations and criticism from content creators and entertainment industry insiders who viewed it as a weak response to government intimidation.

By Monday, Disney reversed course, explaining the suspension had been an attempt to "avoid further inflaming a tense situation" while announcing plans to restore the show after "thoughtful conversations with Jimmy."