UPDATE: Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has just announced his eagerness to host Donald Trump on his ABC show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, despite ongoing tensions. Speaking at the Bloomberg Screentime media conference on September 27, 2023, Kimmel revealed, “I’d love to have Trump on the show, for sure. All right, I’ll ask him.”
This surprising invitation comes shortly after Kimmel’s show was temporarily suspended last month, with Trump celebrating the move. The former president posted on Truth Social that it was “great news for America,” criticizing Kimmel’s ratings and calling him “talentless.” This backlash highlights the fraught relationship between Kimmel and Trump, who have clashed frequently both online and on-air.
The show’s suspension lasted less than a week, but not without significant controversy. Kimmel’s comments regarding Charlie Kirk‘s alleged murder related to the MAGA movement led to the suspension, which Trump claimed was a deserved outcome. “Kimmel has ZERO talent,” he stated, “and worse ratings than even Colbert.”
Despite the heated exchanges, Kimmel, who previously had Trump as a guest during the 2016 presidential campaign, expressed that Trump is one of the most accessible presidents, noting, “He is on TV all day, every day, so he gives us a lot to use.” However, this accessibility presents both challenges and opportunities for comedy.
In the wake of the controversy, Kimmel has continued to criticize Trump and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair, Brendan Carr, who also faced backlash for his comments about Kimmel’s show. Kimmel remarked, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” referring to potential actions against the show by the FCC, which the White House has denied.
The FCC and the White House insisted the show’s temporary pull was due solely to low ratings, not any external pressures. “Jimmy Kimmel was fired because he had bad ratings,” Trump reiterated, asserting that Kimmel’s lack of talent was evident.
In a further twist, Trump has threatened to sue ABC over Kimmel’s portrayal of him, claiming it constitutes an illegal campaign contribution. “Let’s see how we do,” he stated on Truth Social, indicating his intention to challenge the network.
Kimmel, buoyed by the show’s reinstatement, reflected on the experience, saying, “I hope that we drew a really bold, red line about what we as Americans will and will not accept.” His remarks underscore the ongoing cultural and political tensions in the United States, especially as they relate to media and entertainment.
As the situation develops, Kimmel’s invitation to Trump could lead to an unprecedented on-air reunion that would capture national attention. Stay tuned as more updates unfold regarding this high-stakes entertainment saga.