Jimmy Kimmel has responded to President Donald Trump’s comments about his return to ABC. The late‑night host’s suspension was lifted on Tuesday, prompting Trump to voice his displeasure on Truth Social. Trump wrote that he couldn’t believe ABC had given Kimmel his job back, to which Kimmel retorted, “You can’t believe they gave me my job back? I can’t believe we gave you your job back!” Trump also claimed that Kimmel’s show endangers the network by airing “99 % positive Democrat GARBAGE,” and he hinted at possible legal action against ABC, citing a $16 million settlement he received from Paramount in July. However, Trump appears to have confused separate networks, as that settlement concerned a different matter.
Kimmel addressed Trump’s remarks on his show, saying the president’s threats toward ABC were not “joking matters.” He referenced the settlement, which has been criticized by First Amendment and press‑freedom advocates. Kimmel noted that Trump’s approval ratings remain low, with multiple polls showing 55‑56 % of respondents view him unfavorably. He also responded to critics who claim he is too hard on Trump, explaining that he speaks out because he sees the president as a “bully.” Kimmel said he dislikes bullies and likened Trump’s behavior to an “old‑fashioned ’80s movie‑style bully.” He joked that Trump is more concerned with investigating a stopped escalator at the United Nations than with releasing the Epstein files.
Kimmel’s return follows a highly publicized suspension that was lifted just hours after Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr threatened ABC’s broadcasting license. The episode has raised concerns about free speech and potential government interference in the media. Despite the controversy, Kimmel’s show continues to draw strong ratings, attracting 1.77 million viewers in the second quarter of this year, making it one of the most‑watched late‑night programs in its time slot.
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