Trump Threatens Legal Action Against ABC After Jimmy Kimmel Resumes Late-Night Show

After ABC reinstated Jimmy Kimmel Live! following a six-day suspension, Donald Trump publicly criticized the decision and threatened legal consequences. In a post on Truth Social, he claimed ABC previously informed the White House that Kimmel’s show was cancelled, and that its return amounts to an “illegal campaign contribution” to Democrats. Trump added: “We’re going to test ABC out on this.”

He also referenced a past legal settlement with ABC, stating, “Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 million.” He suggested the network’s reversal could be even more financially “lucrative” for him.

Why This Threat Matters

Trump has long clashed with ABC and other media outlets he sees as unfriendly or biased against him. This new threat gains weight because:

• It’s directed at a network under his previous scrutiny, raising questions about media intimidation and legal pressure.
• He’s tying the show’s return to election law, framing it as “illegal campaign contribution,” which could prompt regulatory or legal review of broadcasting and election rules.
• By publicly invoking a past settlement ($16 million), Trump signals that he is willing to use litigation as a tool or deterrent against the media that defies him.

Kimmel’s Response & Wider Debate

When Jimmy Kimmel Live! resumed, Kimmel addressed the controversy directly in his monologue. He said he never intended to trivialize the murder of Charlie Kirk, acknowledged that some statements may have been poorly timed, and criticized Trump’s attempts to silence the media. He condemned the idea that a government could force broadcasters to drop content as “anti-American.”

Broadcasting groups like Sinclair and Nexstar have already refused to air his return, demanding apologies and donations before considering carrying the show again. Even with the reinstatement, about 25% of ABC affiliates continued to preempt his episodes.

Supporters of Kimmel view Trump’s threats as a dangerous escalation in attempts to suppress criticism, while critics argue networks have responsibilities regarding public interest and content standards.

What’s Unclear & What to Watch

• It’s not known whether Trump or his legal team will actually file suit against ABC, or what legal basis they would assert.
• If a lawsuit is filed, the courts will need to consider First Amendment protections, FCC regulations, and how election laws may or may not apply to entertainment programming.
• Whether ABC will face pressure from affiliates or risk losing broadcast licenses if legal or regulatory actions are pursued.
• How this might reshape the balance of power between political figures, regulators, and media companies in future controversies.

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