Jimmy Kimmel has opened up about the Trump interview controversy and the fallout from his recent remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Speaking at the Bloomberg Screentime conference in Los Angeles, the comedian detailed how Jimmy Kimmel Live! was briefly pulled off air after a massive backlash from MAGA supporters.
The host also surprised fans by saying he would “love” to have former President Donald Trump back on his show — despite Trump celebrating his short-lived cancellation.
Kimmel Explains His Comments and Temporary Show Suspension
The controversy began when Kimmel commented on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA. During a monologue, Kimmel said, “We hit some new lows with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.”
The line sparked a social media storm, with MAGA supporters accusing Kimmel of mocking the tragedy. Within days, ABC and two major broadcasting partners suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! citing “sensitivity concerns.”
“I thought the show was done,” Kimmel revealed. “A list of demands was presented to me, and I refused to go along with them. I told my wife, ‘That’s it. It’s over.’”
He also claimed that his words were “maliciously mischaracterized” by right-wing media. According to Kimmel, his comment was intended to criticize hypocrisy, not to celebrate violence.
Kimmel Tears Up on Air, Exposes Presidential Pressure and Threats to Comedy Teams
ABC reinstated the show after one week, following public pressure and fan support. The incident reignited debates over free speech in entertainment and the growing power of political outrage online.
Trump Celebrates Kimmel’s Cancellation but Gets a Surprise Invite
Former President Donald Trump quickly responded when Kimmel’s show was taken off the air. On his Truth Social account, Trump posted:
“Great News for America: The ratings-challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for doing what had to be done.”
Trump later doubled down, calling Kimmel “not a talented person” and saying the suspension was deserved. “He said a horrible thing about a great gentleman known as Charlie Kirk,” Trump told reporters.
Despite the attacks, Kimmel stunned the audience by saying he would still welcome Trump on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
“I’d love to have Trump on the show, for sure,” Kimmel said. “All right, I’ll ask him.”
Trump has appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! three times in the past, most recently in May 2016 during his presidential campaign. Back then, their exchanges were sharp but humorous.
Kimmel added that Trump’s constant media presence gives comedians plenty of material. “He’s on TV all day, every day. It makes him both more digestible and less digestible at the same time,” Kimmel joked.
The Jimmy Kimmel Trump interview controversy highlights how entertainment and politics have become increasingly intertwined, with both sides using television as a battleground for influence.
FCC Pressure, Media Politics, and Kimmel’s Future on Air
During his interview, Kimmel also took aim at Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr, who had hinted that the network should take disciplinary action over his comments. Carr warned that the FCC might “have additional work ahead” if networks failed to regulate “harmful speech.”
Kimmel responded sarcastically:
“We can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to take action on Kimmel — or there’s going to be additional work for the FCC.”
His quip drew laughter from the audience but also underscored the tension between media regulation and artistic freedom.
Kimmel refused to confirm whether he plans to renew his contract when it expires in May 2026. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “We’ll see what happens.”
Since its debut in 2003, Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been a flagship late-night show for ABC. It has consistently featured top celebrity guests, musicians, and political figures — including Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Donald Trump.
The recent Trump interview controversy adds another chapter to Kimmel’s career, showing how comedy, media, and politics collide in modern America.
Sinclair ABC Stations rejects airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! amid controversy over remarks
Late-Night TV and the Battle Over Political Humor
Late-night television has become one of the most polarized spaces in U.S. entertainment. Kimmel, once known for lighthearted pranks, has evolved into one of the most outspoken political voices in late-night.
Critics argue that his humor has turned too partisan, while supporters praise him for using his platform to challenge hypocrisy and misinformation.
After returning to air, Kimmel addressed his audience briefly with a smirk:
“I’m back. Apparently, I wasn’t as canceled as they hoped.”
Whether Trump will accept Kimmel’s invitation remains to be seen. But the renewed interest in the Jimmy Kimmel Trump interview controversy proves one thing — the line between politics and entertainment has never been thinner.
