Full Breakdown
Trump vs. Kimmel: A Renewed Feud Over Late-Night Comedy
11/22/2025, 8:33:31 AM
Core Event: Trump Calls for Kimmel's Removal from ABC
President Donald Trump has intensified his long-standing feud with late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, recently calling for ABC to fire him. This latest attack, made via a Truth Social post on November 20, 2025, criticized Kimmel as a “man with NO TALENT and VERY POOR TELEVISION RATINGS,” questioning why the network continues to air his show. The post followed Kimmel's monologue that humorously addressed Trump's connections to the late Jeffrey Epstein, a topic that has increasingly unsettled the president.
Background & Context: Previous Tensions
This conflict is not new; Trump has previously attempted to have Kimmel removed from the air. In September 2025, Kimmel's show was briefly suspended after pressure from ABC affiliates, including Nexstar and Sinclair, due to comments he made regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The suspension was lifted shortly thereafter, highlighting the ongoing tensions between national networks and local affiliates regarding content and editorial control.
Kimmel's Response: Defiance and Humor
In his response to Trump’s latest remarks, Kimmel addressed the president directly during his show, noting the timing of Trump's post—just 11 minutes after the episode ended. Kimmel quipped, “Thanks for watching us on TV instead of on YouTube,” and remarked on the frequency of Trump's demands for his firing, stating, “Every five weeks, he flips out and wants me fired.” He humorously proposed that he would leave the show if Trump also resigned, saying, “Let’s ride off into the sunset together.”
Official Statements & Responses: White House and ABC
Following Trump's comments, the White House press office issued a letter outlining grievances against ABC News, labeling it a “Democrat spin operation masquerading as a broadcast network.” The letter cited various complaints, including perceived inaccuracies in reporting and bias against Trump. ABC has not publicly commented on Trump's latest remarks about Kimmel.
Criticism & Opposition: Media and Public Reactions
Kimmel's comments have drawn support from various media figures and First Amendment advocates, who argue that Trump's attempts to silence dissenting voices in media threaten free speech. Fellow late-night host Seth Meyers also addressed Trump's grievances, stating that being on the same “shit list” as other political figures is not a unique distinction.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps: Discrepancies in Ratings and Influence
While Trump claims Kimmel has “VERY POOR TELEVISION RATINGS,” reports indicate that Kimmel's ratings have actually improved following his return from suspension. This discrepancy raises questions about the influence of Trump's comments on public perception and media ratings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Why does ABC Fake News keep Jimmy Kimmel, a man with NO TALENT and VERY POOR TELEVISION RATINGS, on the air?” — Donald Trump
- “I have honestly lost count now of how many times the president has demanded I be pulled off the air. I mean, talk about a snowflake,” — Jimmy Kimmel
- “Let’s ride off into the sunset together like Butch Cassidy and the Suntan Kid.” — Jimmy Kimmel
- “It’s a Democrat spin operation masquerading as a broadcast network.” — White House Press Office
What's Next: Ongoing Tensions and Potential Fallout
As the feud continues, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is set to review the relationships between national broadcasters and local affiliates, a move that may further complicate the dynamics surrounding Kimmel's show and Trump's influence over media narratives. The ongoing public discourse surrounding this conflict highlights the intersection of politics, media, and entertainment in contemporary American society.
