Jimmy Kimmel Returns to Late-Night, Takes Aim at Trump

Jimmy Kimmel returned to the stage of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on September 23 with a fiery monologue that doubled as both a defense of free speech and a pointed rebuke of President Donald Trump. The late-night host had been suspended from ABC for nearly a week following controversial remarks about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. His comeback episode was filled with emotion, humor, and sharp political critique, underscoring the tension between comedy and politics in the Trump era.

A Battle Over Free Speech

At the heart of Kimmel’s return was the argument that his suspension was not just about his words, but about broader issues of government influence over free expression. He accused Trump of trying to “cancel” him by celebrating his removal from the airwaves and pressuring ABC’s parent company, Disney, to make the suspension permanent.

“The president of the United States made it very clear he wants to see me and the hundreds of people who work here fired from our jobs,” Kimmel told viewers. “Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he can’t take a joke.”

Kimmel described the ordeal as a direct violation of the First Amendment, pointing to comments made by Federal Communications Commission chairman Brendan Carr, who appeared to threaten ABC while discussing Kimmel’s suspension. “A government threat to silence a comedian the president doesn’t like is anti-American,” Kimmel declared.

Trump’s Mockery and Kimmel’s Response

Kimmel also took aim at Trump’s public gloating over his suspension. The president, posting on Truth Social, had claimed Kimmel was “fired” for having “no ratings.” Kimmel responded by showing a clip of the remarks before quipping, “Well, I do tonight,” earning loud applause from his live audience.

“You almost have to feel sorry for him,” Kimmel continued. “He tried his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly.”

Kimmel further mocked Trump, suggesting that the president “might have to release the Epstein files to distract us from this, now.”

Comparing Himself to Other Late-Night Hosts

Kimmel’s monologue also framed his suspension as part of a broader campaign by Trump to silence late-night comedy critical of his administration. He argued that Trump had already “squeezed” Stephen Colbert out at CBS, referencing the cancellation of The Late Show in July, and was now targeting NBC’s Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers.

“In a Truth Social post after my suspension, he urged NBC to fire Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers,” Kimmel said. “He called them two total losers with horrible ratings. Do it NBC, he said. That’s where we are right now.”

Kimmel urged viewers to push back against such efforts. “We have to speak out against this stuff because he’s not stopping, and it’s not just comedy,” he warned. “He’s gunning for our journalists, too. He’s suing them, he’s bullying them.”

Addressing the Controversy

Kimmel also addressed the comments that got him suspended in the first place. While he had criticized the “MAGA gang” for trying to politicize Tyler Robinson, the suspect charged with killing Charlie Kirk, his remarks were seen by some as insensitive.

“It was never my intention to make light of that murder or to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual,” Kimmel said, choking up. “But I understand that, to some, that felt either ill-timed or unclear, or maybe both.”

Despite his apology, he argued that suspension was a disproportionate response, especially given that the controversy was fueled by political pressure from Washington.

Disney’s Role and Affiliate Pushback

Kimmel thanked Disney for bringing him back on the air, but acknowledged the risk the company faces. Some broadcasters, including Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, chose not to air Jimmy Kimmel Live! on their ABC affiliates, keeping the comedian off screens in parts of the country.

“Unfortunately, and I think unjustly, this puts them at risk,” Kimmel said of Disney. “But they welcomed me back on the air, and I thank them for that.”

Satire and Star Power

In true late-night fashion, Kimmel also leaned on satire to make his point. Actor Robert De Niro joined the show in a sketch as the FCC chairman portrayed as a mob boss, using intimidation to crack down on speech. De Niro’s profanity-laced performance underlined Kimmel’s accusation that the FCC was using “mob tactics” to suppress dissent.

Looking Ahead

The tension between Kimmel and Trump shows no sign of easing. Hours before Kimmel’s return, Trump once again lashed out at ABC, saying he “can’t believe” the host was back on the air and threatening legal action. “I think we’re going to test ABC out on this,” Trump posted.

For Kimmel, however, the night was about more than jokes. It was a declaration that he would not be silenced, even in the face of presidential pressure. “It’s important that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this,” he said.

The clash marks a new chapter in the ongoing culture war between Trump and late-night television. For now, Kimmel is back at his desk, using comedy as both shield and sword.

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