‘Anti-American’: Kimmel Fires Back at Trump Over Suspension

Late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel has lashed out at former U.S. President Donald Trump and government pressure on his program, branding efforts to silence him as “anti-American.”

Kimmel made the remarks on Tuesday during his much-anticipated return to screens, after ABC suspended his show following backlash over comments about the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

“A government threat to silence a comedian the president doesn’t like is anti-American,” Kimmel told his studio audience, drawing thunderous applause.
“Our government cannot be allowed to control what we do and do not say on television.”

The comedian, known for his frequent criticism of Trump, clarified that his comments last week were not intended to belittle the tragedy or target a political group.

“It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,” he said. “Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual.”

Kimmel’s suspension followed mounting pressure from Trump allies and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), whose chairman hinted that affiliates broadcasting his show could face licensing challenges. Major station owners Sinclair and Nexstar subsequently dropped the program, leading Disney — ABC’s parent company — to pull it nationwide.

Trump, who has long bristled at Kimmel’s satire, celebrated the move and threatened fresh legal action against ABC. However, critics across the political spectrum, including conservative senator Ted Cruz and broadcaster Tucker Carlson, expressed concern about government overreach into media freedoms.

Audience members at Kimmel’s Hollywood taping described his return as both “humble” and “historic,” with many framing the episode as a stand for free speech.

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