Trump Slams ABC Over Kimmel Reinstatement: “Let Him Rot in His Bad Ratings

Trump Criticizes ABC After Kimmel Reinstatement: ‘Let Him Rot in His Ratings’

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: September 24, 2025

Summary: Trump criticizes ABC for bringing back Jimmy Kimmel, claims the show damages the network, and vows to “test” it.

After ABC announced the return of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, former President Donald Trump wasted no time targeting both the network and the host.

Taking to Truth Social, he questioned why ABC would rehire what he called “a show that does so poorly” and accused Kimmel of jeopardizing the network by “playing 99% positive Democrat garbage.”

Trump’s post also revisited the host’s controversial remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk—remarks that led to strong backlash and the show’s temporary suspension.

He labeled Kimmel’s reinstatement a mistake and threatened regulatory consequences against ABC, hinting at “testing” the broadcaster’s future under his watch.

The aftermath of Kimmel’s suspension revealed serious fractures in the U.S. media landscape. Major stations like Nexstar and Sinclair refused to air his show even after ABC restored it, citing offense and demanding assurances of civility going forward.

Kimmel’s critics have pushed back against his comments, especially the suggestion that the MAGA movement was trying to “characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.”

Many argued that the comment was speculative, since investigations into the shooter’s ideology were ongoing.

As ABC brings the show back, the controversy is far from over. His remarks and threats of legal action highlighted the significant risks.

It is yet to be clear how the system and Kimmel will handle these issues and gain the confidence of fans again.