Trump predicted Kimmel would be 'going' weeks before ABC suspended late-night show

President Donald Trump publicly predicted that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be “going” soon and that another late-night host would be next, weeks before ABC suspended Kimmel over remarks in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s death. The comments highlighted how political discourse surrounding media figures has intersected with late-night television as networks face scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators alike.

Nexstar Media Group, the nation’s largest operator of local television stations, said it would stop airing Kimmel’s show on ABC affiliates. The decision followed public pressure tied to the Kirk controversy and the broader debate over how media handles violent events and political commentary. The move also came as FCC Chair Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, pressed networks to respond to the backlash. Nexstar is seeking federal approval for a roughly $6.2 billion acquisition that would expand its footprint, a deal that requires clearance from the Federal Communications Commission. Disney-owned ABC, which has carried Kimmel since 2003, announced that it would suspend the show shortly afterward.

Kimmel, who had addressed the Kirk case on his Sept. 15 program, entered new controversy with remarks about right-wing reactions to the shooting. He described the response as an attempt to recast the shooter’s actions and cast suspicions on political opponents, saying, "The MAGA gang [is] desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it." The monologue drew swift attention and amplified calls for accountability in how commentators discuss violence.

On the same day, Kimmel expressed sympathy for Kirk’s family on social media. He wrote that, instead of finger-pointing, the public should recognize how horrific and monstrous gun violence is, adding a message of support to Kirk’s relatives and to those affected by similar tragedies. The episode occurred against a backdrop of debate over whether late-night hosts should remain neutral or take explicit stances on political events.

Kirk was fatally shot while speaking with students at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. The investigation led to charges against Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old, in the shooting. The case became a flashpoint in discussions about how media personalities frame violent incidents and how platforms respond when public sentiment shifts rapidly around a crisis.

Trump also targeted other late-night figures in his broader critique, saying Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers were “two total losers.” He argued that Colbert had better ratings than Kimmel or Fallon and urged a broader house-cleaning of NBC’s late-night slate, labeling the network with a charged descriptor as critics fixated on ratings and political alignment. The comments reflected the ongoing intertwining of political messaging with entertainment media and underscored how a president’s remarks can reverberate through network decision-making and regulatory scrutiny.

The episode underscores how late-night television has become a focal point in partisan battles, where remarks about violence, media coverage, and ratings intersect with corporate deals and regulatory oversight. As Nexstar seeks approval for its acquisition and authorities weigh questions about media accountability, the industry faces continued attention from lawmakers, executives, and audiences seeking clarity about the role of entertainment figures in public discourse.