Danica Patrick Says Time Is Running Out for Jimmy Kimmel as ABC Reinstates Return

Kimmel was suspended last week after remarks in which he criticized how some outlets and political figures described Charlie Kirk's death in Utah, saying that "the MAGA gang" was trying to portray the suspect in Kirk's assassination as anything other than one of them. Disney, the parent company of ABC, described the comments as "ill-timed and thus insensitive" in announcing his return, and the network said the decision reflected a broader consideration of the show's impact and audience. Kimmel is scheduled to resume his program on Tuesday, as ABC navigates the fallout from the remarks and the broader political conversation it sparked. Patrick, who has previously appeared on Kimmel's show, has since said she is no longer a big fan, telling followers that "when I raced I never talked about politics and religion" and that politics often comes down to money. "Clock is ticking again" she wrote, signaling her belief that the dynamic between comedy and controversy will continue to evolve.

Patrick has only recently become politically active and has publicly supported Donald Trump in the run-up to last year's election. She has said she voted for the first time last year, after previously not voting. Patrick told followers that she voted for Trump, arguing that the person who runs the country should manage it much like a business. "A guy like that who has been in business as long as he has, he's gonna go into that room and he's gonna get stuff done," she said. She had also endorsed Robert F. Kennedy, who withdrew from the race to join Trump's forthcoming bid to return to the White House.

In the wake of the broader political discourse surrounding Kirk's death, prosecutors say 43-year-old Tyler Robinson has been charged with capital murder. Investigators have released a range of text messages and other evidence that prosecutors say hint at a possible motive behind the case, which has drawn widespread attention from national media and political figures alike. The developing case underscores how closely intertwined political talk and entertainment have become in public discourse, especially when it involves platforms long associated with late-night comedy and political commentary.

Patrick's public comments come as she continues to assert her viewpoint on national politics and media culture. While her past appearances on Kimmel's show have highlighted a willingness to engage with entertainment figures across ideological lines, her recent stance signals a shift toward more assertive political expression. The dynamic between comedy, news media and political activism remains fluid, particularly as major networks balance editorial decisions with audience expectations and advertiser considerations. The situation also illustrates how individual personalities—whether athletes, commentators or performers—are increasingly part of larger conversations about free expression, accountability and the role of entertainment in political life.

The ABC program lineup and related network decisions are expected to continue evolving in the coming weeks as executives monitor audience response and the broader climate surrounding Charlie Kirk and related political debates. As this case unfolds, Patrick's comments will likely contribute to the ongoing discussion about the boundaries of humor in a highly polarized public arena, and about how public figures navigate repercussions when their remarks intersect with real-world events.