Trump Criticizes Kimmel’s Return, Threatens Legal Action Against ABC
Former President Donald Trump has publicly criticized ABC for reinstating late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, suggesting that the comedian acts as a representative of the Democratic Party and hinting at potential legal action against the network. This confrontation occurred on March 5, 2024, just before Kimmel’s return to the airwaves, during which he made multiple jabs at Trump and his administration.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump expressed disbelief that ABC had given Kimmel his job back, alleging that the White House had been informed of the show’s cancellation. Despite this claim, Disney had recently announced that Kimmel’s program was only on hold “indefinitely.” The former president suggested that something unexpected had happened which facilitated Kimmel’s return, calling the comedian’s content “99% positive Democrat GARBAGE.”
Trump’s Legal Threats and Kimmel’s Response
Trump’s post was particularly pointed, accusing Kimmel of being “yet another arm” of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) without providing any supporting evidence. He claimed that airing Kimmel’s show could constitute a major illegal campaign contribution. Trump then hinted at testing ABC’s resolve, recalling a previous legal confrontation with the network that resulted in a settlement of $16 million.
“This one sounds even more lucrative,” Trump added, criticizing Kimmel’s ratings while suggesting that the comedian would suffer from his negative portrayal. The former president concluded his post with a taunt directed at Kimmel, stating, “Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings.”
In stark contrast, during his monologue, Kimmel showcased a clip of Trump referring to him as a “wack job” with “no talent” and “no ratings.” The comedian quipped in response, “Well, I do tonight,” pointing to the surge in viewership following Trump’s attacks. Kimmel continued, “You almost have to feel sorry for him. He did his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly.”
The Broader Context of Late-Night Comedy and Politics
This incident is part of a broader trend in which late-night comedians have increasingly engaged in political commentary, particularly in the wake of Trump’s presidency. Kimmel’s return to the screen appears to signal a resurgence of satirical content aimed at political figures, which has historically drawn significant audience interest.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, the intersection of entertainment and politics becomes ever more complex. Kimmel’s ability to draw viewers, even in the face of criticism, suggests that late-night shows will remain a platform for political discourse. The ongoing dialogue between Trump and Kimmel highlights the contentious nature of modern political commentary and the impact of celebrity culture on public opinion.
The developments surrounding Kimmel’s return and Trump’s reaction illustrate not only the personal rivalry between the two figures but also the broader implications for media and entertainment in shaping political narratives. As both sides prepare for possible legal battles and continued public exchanges, audiences will likely remain engaged with this evolving story.
