Trump’s Media Battles Surge as Kimmel Returns Amid Controversy

UPDATE: In a dramatic twist, President Donald Trump has reignited tensions with U.S. media as ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” returns to air after a brief suspension. This development comes just days after Trump celebrated Kimmel’s suspension, labeling it “great news for America.” The late-night host had faced backlash for a monologue referencing the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Last week, Kimmel was pulled from the airwaves following his controversial remarks, which included a comparison of Trump’s grief to “how a 4-year-old mourns a goldfish.” In response, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, stated that there was a strong case for holding Kimmel and ABC accountable for spreading misinformation. Major affiliate owners Nexstar and Sinclair even considered removing the show from their stations.

However, ABC confirmed on September 22 that Kimmel’s show will return on September 26, following “thoughtful conversations” with the host. The network’s decision has sparked outrage among some conservatives. Andrew Kolvet, spokesperson for Turning Point USA, criticized ABC’s choice, claiming it undermines media accountability. Nexstar and Sinclair have not commented on their next steps regarding the show.

The return of Kimmel’s show coincides with a significant moment for free speech, as hundreds of entertainers signed an open letter from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), calling this situation “a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation.”

In addition to Kimmel’s return, Trump is currently entangled in several legal disputes with prominent media organizations. On September 19, a federal judge dismissed Trump’s $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, asserting that his claims were overly lengthy and irrelevant. U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday ordered Trump to amend his complaint within 28 days, limiting it to 40 pages. The lawsuit targeted multiple articles and a book related to Trump’s finances and past scandals.

Adding to the tumult, Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch on July 18, responding to a story that highlighted Trump’s connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The article sparked significant media attention regarding Trump’s past.

In another notable development, CBS announced the cancellation of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” which is known for its critical stance towards Trump. CBS claims the cancellation is due to financial reasons, although it comes shortly after Colbert criticized Trump’s settlement with CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, regarding a separate issue.

Earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order aiming to cut federal funding to public broadcasters like PBS and NPR, citing alleged bias in their reporting. NPR has since filed a lawsuit, arguing that the order violates free speech rights.

Trump’s contentious relationship with the media has drawn attention from various quarters, highlighting the ongoing battle over narrative control in the United States. As Kimmel returns to the air, the implications of these media confrontations and legal battles will undoubtedly continue to unfold.

WHAT’S NEXT: Viewers will be watching closely for Kimmel’s first show back on air, as well as any further developments in Trump’s ongoing legal disputes. With the 2024 presidential election approaching, the stakes are higher than ever for both Trump and the media landscape.

Stay tuned for more updates as these stories develop.