President Trump has escalated his media war against ABC and Jimmy Kimmel, publicly accusing the network of making an “illegal campaign contribution” to Democrats by reinstating the controversial late-night host after his suspension.
Story Highlights
- Trump alleges ABC’s support for Kimmel constitutes illegal campaign financing
- Major affiliates Nexstar and Sinclair refuse to air Kimmel’s show after reinstatement
- Kimmel was suspended for inflammatory comments about Charlie Kirk’s assassination
- Constitutional experts dispute Trump’s campaign finance violation claims
Trump Targets ABC’s Corporate Decision
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social September 24, declaring ABC’s decision to reinstate Jimmy Kimmel constitutes a “major illegal campaign contribution” to Democrats.
Trump’s accusation follows ABC’s controversial choice to bring back Kimmel’s late-night show after a brief suspension triggered by the host’s inflammatory monologue regarding conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
The President’s statement represents an unprecedented challenge to media programming decisions under campaign finance law.
Major Affiliates Reject Liberal Programming
Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, two of America’s largest television station operators, refused to air Jimmy Kimmel Live! when production resumed September 23.
Both companies cited concerns over Kimmel’s insensitive commentary and demanded public apologies plus charitable donations to Kirk’s family before considering broadcast restoration.
This affiliate rebellion demonstrates growing conservative influence in local television markets and challenges ABC’s programming authority across major American cities.
Constitutional Concerns Over Media Regulation
Legal experts question Trump’s campaign finance allegations, noting that programming decisions typically fall outside traditional contribution definitions unless direct coordination occurs.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s earlier threats of regulatory action have raised First Amendment concerns among constitutional scholars. The controversy highlights broader tensions between political oversight and media independence, with potential implications for broadcast regulation and free speech protections in conservative governance.
The incident reflects escalating battles over media bias and political influence in entertainment programming. Trump’s willingness to frame corporate media decisions as illegal contributions signals a more aggressive approach toward perceived liberal bias in mainstream broadcasting networks.
Sources:
Trump calls ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel support ‘major illegal campaign contribution’ to Democrats
Trump slams ABC for Jimmy Kimmel return
Suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Trump says Kimmel DNC arm major illegal campaign contribution
