What Has President Donald Trump Said About Jimmy Kimmel’s Return? Why Is the Host Still Preempted Despite Return?

Published 09/23/2025, 11:04 AM EDT

America’s late-night stage has always danced on the edge of satire and scrutiny, blending laughter with societal reflection. Hosts become both jesters and commentators, their words a delicate choreography between humor and controversy. Jimmy Kimmel recently found himself at the epicenter of such a storm after a pointed remark about Charlie Kirk ignited a firestorm, leading to a brief network blackout. Now, after the clash of punchlines and politics, the spotlight shifts once more, audiences return, and Jimmy Kimmel Live! has resumed.

Fans are buzzing, eager to uncover Donald Trump’s take on Jimmy Kimmel’s comeback and puzzled why the host remains preempted despite the show’s triumphant return.

Donald Trump, Jimmy Kimmel, and the mystery behind the preemption

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Donald Trump has remained silent as of September 23, 2025, regarding Jimmy Kimmel’s return, offering no public comment as speculation swirls. News surfaced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! was set to air, despite Sinclair's announcement that it would preempt the show across its ABC affiliates in favor of news programming previously in the day, with discussions with ABC ongoing about a potential return. However, just after the news about the show airing broke out, Nexstar joined Sinclair in the decision, confirming that the show will not air on its stations tonight, leaving fans and audiences uncertain about when it will resume.

Sinclair’s decision to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! significantly limits ABC’s reach, as the network risks airing the show without a substantial portion of its affiliate coverage. Holding the largest collection of ABC stations, Sinclair controls 39 across the nation, including WJLA-TV in Washington, DC, a prime outlet for influential viewers. This move underscores the power individual station groups wield over national programming and the delicate balance between network ambitions and local control. While the show’s reach on traditional TV remains limited, rumours suggest Kimmel is expanding his audience through a new Netflix deal.

Is Jimmy Kimmel Finally Back on Air? What’s the Status of His Cancelled ABC Show? Here’s the Truth

The comedy universe is on edge: whispers of a Netflix deal for Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert ignite fan theories, speculation runs wild, and everyone wonders what the late-night giants have planned next.

Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert: Is a Netflix deal really happening?

Rumors of a Netflix collaboration involving Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert continue to captivate fans, though no official confirmation has emerged. On August 7, during his final The Late Show before a scheduled hiatus, Colbert teased the streaming platform, saying, "Netflix, call me. I’m available in June," while referencing a Daily Beast story about Vice President JD Vance. A viral Facebook post suggested the late-night icons had signed a deal that could reshape the comedy and news landscape, yet no statement from Netflix or the hosts has verified it.

Newsweek debunked claims that Netflix had locked Stephen Colbert into a $13.5 million, seven-episode deal, yet social media continued to amplify unverified rumors, fueling speculation across platforms. Amid the frenzy, Colbert publicly supported Jimmy Kimmel following his show’s cancellation, signaling solidarity in late-night circles. As audiences eagerly anticipate Kimmel’s return to the airwaves, the Netflix deal remains unconfirmed, and Donald Trump has not commented, leaving fans and the media alike watching closely for what comes next in the late-night drama.

Is Adam Sandler’s Brutal Jimmy Kimmel Call Out Real? Truth Behind the Viral Beef

Donald Trump might have stayed quiet so far, but now he has shattered the silence, ready to unleash his unfiltered opinions and stir the conversation like only he can.

Update: Donald Trump speaks out on Jimmy Kimmel Live! resuming broadcast

Donald Trump voiced his outrage after ABC brought back Jimmy Kimmel Live! following the show’s suspension over the host’s remarks about Charlie Kirk. On Truth Social, he questioned why the network would reinstate a host whose audience he claims had vanished and whose talent he called insufficient. Trump accused the program of putting ABC at risk by promoting overwhelmingly pro-Democrat content. Expressing his disbelief, he summed up his anger with the words, “I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back."

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President Donald Trump warned that the government would "test ABC out on this," hinting at possible consequences for reinstating Jimmy Kimmel Live! While details remain vague, he recalled the last time he challenged the network, which resulted in a 16 million dollar settlement. Trump claimed the current situation could be even more rewarding, labeling the network as "a true bunch of losers." He expressed disdain for the late-night host, insisting that Kimmel should suffer for his poor ratings.

Fans Rejoice and Celebrate As Jimmy Kimmel Live Makes Its Reutrn Following ABC Drama

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What do you think about Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show being preempted? Let us know in the comments below.

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Yusra Miraj Khan

1034 articles

Yusra Miraj Khan is an Entertainment Journalist at Netflix Junkie. Specializing in Taylor Swift and the British Royal Family, she transforms modern mythologies into high-ranking, reader-first narratives. Since joining in early 2025, Khan has penned over 500 articles, known for their sharp decoding of Easter eggs and PR silences.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

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