President Donald Trump announced potential legal action against ABC on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, following the network’s decision to bring back Jimmy Kimmel Live. The late-night show was previously suspended due to Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial remarks regarding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Through Truth Social, Trump expressed his surprise that ABC reappointed Kimmel after the White House had been informed of the show’s cancellation. Trump accused Kimmel of promoting “99% positive Democrat GARBAGE,” suggesting it amounted to an illegal campaign contribution.
Trump cited his recent legal win against ABC, highlighting a prior lawsuit where the network agreed to a $16 million settlement. This settlement followed an incorrect statement by anchor George Stephanopoulos claiming Trump was found liable for rape. Trump implied the current situation “sounds even more lucrative” and announced his intent to challenge ABC legally.
Kimmel’s suspension occurred after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, appointed by Trump, appeared on a right-wing podcast and threatened to revoke ABC affiliates’ licenses over Kimmel’s jokes about the Republican reaction to Kirk’s death. This prompted backlash from various political factions, with critics voicing concerns that government agencies might suppress comedians’ speech.
Days later, Disney, which owns ABC, reversed their decision, allowing Kimmel to return to his regular late-night slot on Tuesday, September 23. The announcement angered many Trump supporters, with a producer of The Charlie Kirk show calling it a mistake, while others encouraged conservative viewers to voice their complaints to the network.
Major affiliate groups Nexstar and Sinclair, which control about 20 percent of local ABC affiliates, announced they would not broadcast Kimmel’s return episode. Sinclair also demanded that Kimmel apologize and contribute to Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA organization.
During his return on Tuesday night, Kimmel addressed the controversy in a monologue, stating it was not his intent to trivialize a murder or blame a specific group, describing the perpetrator as a disturbed individual. Critics, however, accused him of not offering a proper apology for the comments that led to his suspension.
Conservative activist Jack Posobiec criticized Kimmel’s response, suggesting the host used the DARVO strategy: Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender. Conservative commentator Scott Jennings accused Kimmel of using the term “MAGA gang” and misrepresenting events, calling his response pathetic.
Trump’s legal threats against ABC are part of a broader trend of litigation against media entities. Recently, the president filed a $15 billion lawsuit against The New York Times, which was dismissed by a judge who stated courts are not “a protected platform to rage against an adversary.”
In July, Trump sued The Wall Street Journal for $10 billion over articles concerning his connections to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. The president has consistently targeted media outlets he sees as critical of his administration or policies.
The issue surrounding Kimmel’s suspension and return has highlighted concerns about free speech and government oversight in media content regulation. The FCC’s involvement in threatening license revocation over comedic content has sparked debate about the limits of government regulation in entertainment programming.
Trump concluded his Truth Social message by suggesting that ABC should let Kimmel “rot in his bad Ratings” instead of reinstating him. The president described the network and its leadership as “a true bunch of losers.”
