Jimmy Kimmel Returns to Live as Trump Targets ABC and Free-Speech Debate Intensifies

Jimmy Kimmel returned to Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC on Monday night for the late-night host’s first new episode since a recent hiatus, addressing a swirl of controversy over his show and President Donald Trump's criticisms of the network. The audience greeted him with chants and cheers as he opened with humor about the past 48 hours, calling it a strange and overwhelming time. He thanked allies who spoke out in support of free speech, including conservatives who defended his right to express his views, such as Ben Shapiro, Clay Travis, Candace Owens, Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul and Ted Cruz.

Just ahead of Kimmel's return, Trump railed against ABC on Truth Social, accusing the network of reviving Kimmel and threatening legal action. "I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled!" he wrote, adding that Kimmel is "not funny" and that the network risks "garbage" by giving him a platform. He also claimed he could extract a lucrative payoff again, writing: "Let’s see how we do... A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings."

On Monday night the show carried Kimmel’s opening monologue addressing the attention and criticism, with him thanking supporters again and vowing to keep his show open to diverse viewpoints. He referenced the broader free-speech debate and the way supporters and detractors alike have weighed in on his return. In the days that followed, Kimmel said he spoke briefly about remarks regarding the late Charlie Kirk and clarified that while he did not intend to mock violence or murder, some audiences found the joke ill-timed or unclear; he said he would not retract his broader stance on free expression and did not apologize for his broader comments.

The following day, Kimmel’s monologue drew direct attention to questions about First Amendment protections and regulation, including a satirical jab at FCC chair Brendan Carr in a skit in which a stern, mob-gesture De Niro character confronted perceived threats to speech. The bit reflected Kimmel’s ongoing commentary about the role of media, regulation and political rhetoric in late-night entertainment.

"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET/10:35 p.m. CT on ABC.