Donald Trump praises decision to take Jimmy Kimmel off air

Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been pulled from late-night schedules across several ABC affiliate stations “for the foreseeable future” following controversial remarks made by host Jimmy Kimmel about the recent killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision, which took effect Wednesday, was confirmed by both ABC and Nexstar Media Group, the latter of which operates many of the stations that dropped the program.

The controversy began during Monday night’s broadcast, when Kimmel discussed public reactions to the shooting of Kirk, who had become a polarizing figure in national politics. In his monologue, Kimmel criticized the decision to lower flags in Kirk’s honor and made remarks that included pointed humor about former President Donald Trump. While the segment was delivered in the comedic, satirical style typical of late-night television, it quickly sparked outrage among conservative commentators and political leaders.

Among those who condemned Kimmel’s remarks was Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr. Carr issued a warning to ABC affiliates, suggesting that the network could face fines or even license reviews if it continued what he described as “a pattern of news distortion.” Although late-night shows traditionally fall under the category of entertainment rather than news programming, Carr’s comments heightened regulatory and political pressure on the affiliates.

Faced with mounting backlash, Nexstar Media Group announced that its ABC stations would remove Jimmy Kimmel Live! from their late-night lineups, replacing it with alternative programming. A spokesperson for Nexstar said the decision was made to “protect stations from regulatory risk” and to respond to concerns from local viewers. ABC itself has not offered a detailed explanation beyond confirming that the show would no longer air in certain markets until further notice. The move took effect before Kimmel had the opportunity to address the criticism on-air. Reports indicated that he had planned to respond during Wednesday’s episode, but affiliates had already begun preempting the broadcast.

The fallout quickly drew the attention of former President Trump, who was abroad on a state visit to the United Kingdom when news of the preemptions broke. Writing on his social media platform, Trump praised the move and described Kimmel as “ratings challenged” and “untalented.” He also urged networks to consider removing other late-night hosts, many of whom he has clashed with over the years. Trump’s comments added a new layer of political intensity to an already charged media controversy.

The decision to suspend Kimmel’s program illustrates the growing challenges faced by broadcasters when late-night comedy collides with politics. Traditionally, late-night hosts have enjoyed wide latitude to joke about current events and political figures, with audiences expecting a blend of satire and commentary. Yet in today’s polarized environment, such material can trigger sharp reactions that extend far beyond ratings battles, pulling in regulators, politicians, and corporate executives.

Critics of the preemptions argue that pulling Jimmy Kimmel Live! sets a troubling precedent for restricting comedic expression in response to political pressure. Supporters counter that affiliates must prioritize regulatory compliance and audience expectations, even if that means curbing controversial programming. Nexstar, in particular, framed its decision as a matter of responsibility to local communities and shareholders.

As of now, Kimmel’s show remains off-air in multiple markets, with no timeline provided for its possible return. ABC has not clarified whether the decision will remain limited to certain affiliates or expand to additional stations. In the meantime, the debate over Kimmel’s remarks underscores larger questions about the role of late-night television in shaping political discourse, as well as the limits of editorial freedom in a highly scrutinized media landscape.

What began as a comedic segment has now escalated into a national controversy involving broadcasters, regulators, and political leaders. Whether Jimmy Kimmel Live! eventually returns to the pulled markets or remains sidelined, the episode demonstrates how quickly late-night entertainment can become a flashpoint in America’s ongoing culture wars.