Jimmy Kimmel has delivered a defiant response to President Donald Trump’s latest call for his termination. The ABC late-night host used his Thursday night broadcast to challenge the President with an unusual proposition. This marks the latest escalation in the ongoing Jimmy Kimmel Trump feud that has captivated audiences nationwide.
The Kimmel Trump response came hours after Trump posted on Truth Social at 12:49 AM, demanding ABC remove the host from air. Kimmel noted the timing fell just 11 minutes after his show ended on the East Coast. The host thanked Trump for watching live television rather than YouTube, adding that viewers like the President ironically keep the show broadcasting.
Late Night Show Trump Conflict Spills Into Kimmel’s Personal Life
Trump’s Wednesday night post questioned why ABC maintains Jimmy Kimmel Live on air. The President described Kimmel as having “NO TALENT and VERY POOR TELEVISION RATINGS.” He urged television syndicates to remove what he called “the bum” from broadcasting schedules.
The attack followed Kimmel’s Wednesday monologue about Trump signing legislation compelling the Justice Department to release Jeffrey Epstein materials. Kimmel quipped about what the President knew regarding Epstein’s activities. This comedic commentary triggered Trump’s early morning social media outburst targeting the late night show Trump critic.
The Kimmel Trump Response Goes Viral – ‘I’ll Go When You Go’ Shifts the Feud
Kimmel addressed Trump directly during Thursday’s broadcast with an unprecedented offer. The host, whose ABC contract expires in May 2026, proposed that they depart their respective positions simultaneously. He suggested they “ride off into the sunset together like Butch Cassidy and the Suntan Kid.”
The ABC host then borrowed Trump’s controversial phrase from earlier in the week. “If I may borrow a phrase from you: ‘Quiet, piggy,'” Kimmel stated. This referenced Trump’s remark to a Bloomberg reporter who questioned him about Epstein files. The President’s “piggy” comment had generated widespread criticism across media circles.
Morning Routine Includes Presidential Threats
Kimmel revealed how the latest firing demand integrated into his daily life. He described waking to his wife emerging from the bathroom with news that Trump had again called for his termination. The host’s response was notably understated, simply acknowledging the post before making bagels for his children.
The comedian compared Trump’s repeated attacks to threatening neighbour behaviour warranting a restraining order. “The judge would be like, ‘Yeah, sounds like the guy’s nuts,'” Kimmel joked. This marked at least the fifth occasion Trump has publicly demanded Kimmel’s removal from ABC since returning to the presidency.
Ratings Data Undercuts Trump’s Claims as the Jimmy Kimmel Trump Feud Intensifies
Kimmel challenged Trump’s assertion about poor television ratings with pointed humour. “He keeps saying we have bad ratings,” the host observed. “And you should listen to him – because if anyone knows about bad ratings – it’s that guy!” This referenced Trump’s second-term approval numbers, which have declined in recent polling.
Figure 2: Donald Trump speaking
Industry data suggests Kimmel’s ratings exceed Trump’s characterisation, though precise figures weren’t disclosed during the broadcast. The Jimmy Kimmel Trump feud has arguably boosted viewership for the late-night programme. Trump’s consistent attention to the show demonstrates its continued relevance in the late night show Trump criticism landscape.
Regulatory Threats Hit ABC Affiliates Amid Late Night Show Trump Backlash
Trump’s post specifically targeted television syndicates, referring to local stations broadcasting ABC content. Two major station owners, Nexstar and Sinclair, require FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s approval for pending acquisition deals. Both companies previously pulled Kimmel’s programme in September 2025 following Carr’s criticism of remarks about Charlie Kirk’s suspected killer.
ABC briefly suspended Kimmel’s show nationwide during that controversy before reinstating it within days. The network left affiliates little choice but to resume broadcasting. Carr recently announced an FCC review of network-affiliate relationships, though his agency possesses limited authority to mandate changes.
ABC News Under Presidential Fire
Trump’s attacks extended beyond Kimmel to ABC News correspondents this week. The President criticised ABC News reporter Mary Bruce’s questioning during an Oval Office session. He described ABC as a “crappy company” and encouraged the FCC to revoke the network’s broadcasting licences.
The White House subsequently released a list of grievances against ABC, claiming the news division had decided to “wage war” against Trump and his voters. ABC and its parent company, Disney, declined to comment, allowing their journalism to speak for itself. Good Morning America co-host Robin Roberts publicly thanked Bruce for asking challenging questions during “extremely challenging times.”
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Contract Expiration Adds Uncertainty
Kimmel’s current ABC contract concludes in May 2026, adding significance to his “I’ll go when you go” challenge. The host hasn’t publicly confirmed whether he’ll renew beyond that date. His Thursday remarks suggest flexibility regarding his broadcasting future, particularly if Trump’s presidency continues generating controversy.
The Kimmel Trump response strategy of tying his departure to Trump’s represents a novel approach to presidential criticism. Rather than defending his position or ratings, Kimmel reframed the conflict as a mutual exit proposition. This rhetorical gambit shifts the narrative from whether ABC will fire him to whether Trump will outlast him.
