President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of ABC and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, urging on social media for the network to “get the bum off the air” following Kimmel’s latest episode. This outburst came after Kimmel’s show featured a pointed monologue addressing various issues, including the late Jeffrey Epstein and a congressional vote related to his correspondence. Kimmel’s remarks prompted him to draw parallels with historical inquiries into presidential conduct, echoing questions raised during the Watergate scandal.
The president’s frustration with Kimmel emerged just two months after the comic faced a temporary suspension from ABC for controversial comments about GOP activist Charlie Kirk. The suspension was lifted following public backlash. Trump, however, directed his ire at Kimmel in a post on Truth Social, where he lambasted the host’s talent and ratings while questioning why ABC continues to employ him—a response to concerns raised by local affiliates regarding Kimmel’s content.
Additionally, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with ABC News’ chief White House correspondent, Mary Bruce, labeling her a “terrible reporter” for the pointed inquiries she made during an Oval Office press conference. The White House subsequently issued a letter outlining grievances against ABC News, which the president’s staff characterized as a “Democrat spin operation masquerading as a broadcast network.” This included various points of contention, such as a claim concerning Trump’s civil liability in a defamation case relating to writer E. Jean Carroll, among other complaints about ABC’s reporting.
While Trump is not the only public figure to take issue with late-night comedy hosts recently, Kimmel’s ability to draw significant ratings upon his return in September suggests that reactions to such criticisms may be mixed. ABC has refrained from publicly responding to Trump’s latest remarks, as the network continues to navigate the interplay between entertainment and political commentary. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the interactions between public figures and media personalities underscore the ongoing tension in today’s broadcast environment.