Donald Trump mocks 'zero talent' Jimmy Kimmel as show gets cancelled

Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show has been abruptly pulled from ABC’s schedule, sparking a storm across the American media and political landscape. The decision came after the comedian’s sharp remarks about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a recent monologue.

The network announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live will be “pre-empted indefinitely,” without clarifying if or when the show would return.The network announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live will be “pre-empted indefinitely,” without clarifying if or when the show would return. The move comes at a time when late-night television is already under pressure, with rival programmes facing cancellation and ratings scrutiny.

The Remarks That Sparked a Firestorm

In his monologue, Kimmel took aim at Republicans who he said were trying to weaponise the killing of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of Donald Trump. Kirk was shot dead last week at a university event in Utah.

The suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, opened fire during Kirk’s public appearance and now faces an aggravated murder charge. Prosecutors have signalled they will pursue the death penalty.

Kimmel accused conservative figures of exploiting the tragedy for political mileage, saying the “MAGA gang” was desperate to paint the gunman as anything but one of their own. He also mocked Donald Trump’s tribute to Kirk, comparing it to “how a 4-year-old mourns a goldfish.”

Nexstar Refuses to Carry the Show

The controversy deepened when Nexstar, a major owner of ABC-affiliated stations, announced it would not air Jimmy Kimmel Live “for the foreseeable future.”

Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar’s broadcasting division, described Kimmel’s commentary as “offensive and insensitive.” He argued that continuing to air the show was not in the public interest and said the company wanted to “let cooler heads prevail” before resuming programming.

This added pressure on ABC, which quickly moved to suspend the programme altogether.

Trump Piles On

Donald Trump wasted little time reacting. On his Truth Social platform, the former president praised ABC’s decision, calling it “great news for America.” He claimed Kimmel had “zero talent” and mocked his ratings, insisting they trailed those of Stephen Colbert.

Trump also extended his attack to NBC, demanding the cancellation of Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers’ shows. He labelled them “losers with poor ratings,” amplifying his long-running feud with late-night comedians who have frequently ridiculed him.

Adding fuel, Trump impersonator Matt Friend roasted Kimmel at the Emmys earlier this week, joking about the host’s “failing ratings” in a bit that mirrored the president’s own language.

A Bigger Pattern for Late-Night TV

The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live follows the earlier cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s programme, which many observers linked to his criticism of Trump. Both developments highlight the increasingly fraught relationship between late-night comedy, network executives, and political power.

Trump has openly pressured broadcasters in the past, urging the Federal Communications Commission to revoke licenses for stations airing material he dislikes. His repeated interventions have left networks walking a tightrope between editorial freedom and political fallout.

The controversy also underscores the declining ratings environment for late-night television. Once dominant cultural forces, shows like Kimmel’s have struggled to maintain viewership in an era of streaming platforms and political polarisation.

What Happens Next?

ABC has not provided a timeline for the return of Jimmy Kimmel Live, leaving fans and critics guessing about the future of the show. Whether the suspension is temporary or permanent remains unclear.

For Kimmel, who has built his brand on biting monologues and frequent jabs at Donald Trump, the removal represents both a professional setback and a high-stakes battle over the boundaries of political humour.

As the fallout continues, one question looms: has late-night television entered a new era where sharp political satire risks not just criticism, but outright removal from the airwaves?

What do you think about this entire saga? Will the late night show be revived or not? Go on and let us know in the comments below.