Jimmy Kimmel has expressed some appreciation for President Donald Trump and his administration.
However, Kimmel’s reputation as a late-night host seems to be unscathed, despite the controversies surrounding him. It’s curious, really; he’s become something of a liberal hero amidst this chaotic landscape. Kimmel is set to return to ABC on Tuesday after a pause in his show. Disney’s ABC had initially put Jimmy Kimmel Live! on hold on September 17 due to Kimmel’s controversial remarks regarding Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Nexstar Media Group, a significant player in television, had announced it would remove the show from its affiliates, citing Kimmel’s “aggressive and insensitive” comments as the cause.
Interestingly, it seems like the issue isn’t primarily about free speech. There was a hint of previous mass censorship related to discussions on vaccines and pandemic origins, with some critics seeing Kimmel’s suspension as a sign of authoritarian behavior. Brendan Kerr, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair, exacerbated this backlash after he appeared on a podcast with influencer Benny Johnson. There’s a sentiment that Disney faces serious consequences from this situation. It’s a complex issue, and the ways companies will handle Kimmel’s situation remain to be seen.
This is what got Kimmel fired.
I mean, it highlights soft power at play. The left definitely knows how to wield it, and thanks to Trump, many on the right are learning too.– Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 18, 2025
It’s perhaps questionable whether such remarks are wise to share publicly. Meanwhile, conservatives are stepping in to defend Kimmel’s right to express himself. But, on the flip side, his employer retains the right to let him go for comments that may not align with the company’s values, especially if they’re financially damaging. Some Republicans, like Senators Rand Paul and Ted Cruz, have voiced concerns about the apparent situation, observing a clear trend of suppression against the Trump administration.
Now, whether Kimmel’s next steps lead to a fresh chapter for him is an open question. His history in late-night television has seen ups and downs, but honestly, there have been signs of dwindling relevance. If this trend continues, his show might not be around much longer due to escalating costs.
After years of discussing cancel culture, the current administration seems to be taking it to an extreme by threatening media companies in a way that’s dangerous for journalists.https://t.co/uts7JpJZzN
– Barack Obama (@barackobama) September 18, 2025
In light of recent events, Charlie Kirk’s popularity surged remarkably after the incident in Utah. His presence on social media has skyrocketed, reflecting a shift in audience engagement. Ironically, if the intention was to curb his rising influence, it has backfired significantly.
When something tragic happens, especially if it feels unjust, public interest often shifts dramatically. People have this instinct to seek out what they think has been censored. It’s interesting how human nature operates. It resembles a child’s curiosity when they discover something hidden; they just want to know more about it.
Unfortunately for many, Kimmel may find a renewed lease on his career, despite being viewed by some as unfunny and self-righteous. Perhaps, he fits well into this new role as a so-called resistance hero, embodying traits that seem at odds with what viewers might consider entertaining.
