Jimmy Kimmel Returns: Stars Cheer His Comeback as Trump Threatens Lawsuit

Jimmy Kimmel made a big return to late-night television on Tuesday, and the reaction was electric.

Celebrities, politicians, and fans celebrated the host coming back on air after ABC suspended his show last week over comments he made about the shooting of Charlie Kirk. According to CBS and the Associated Press, Kimmel delivered an emotional monologue, thanking viewers for supporting the show. “I also want to thank all of you. You supported our show, cared enough to do something about it, to make your voices heard so that mine could be heard. I’ll never forget it,” he said to loud applause.

During the monologue, Kimmel criticized FCC Chair Brendan Carr and former President Donald Trump for interfering with free speech. He also became emotional while saying he never intended to make light of Kirk’s shooting. The response from Hollywood and politics was overwhelmingly positive.

Ben Stiller called the monologue “brilliant” on X, while Don Lemon described it as “fantastic” and praised Kimmel for hitting the “right tone.” Lemon also slammed Trump, Carr, and local station groups, saying, “You guys should be ashamed of yourselves, you don’t believe in the First Amendment, you don’t believe in freedom of speech, at all.”

Author Stephen King shared on Bluesky, “I’m glad Jimmy Kimmel is back,” while Senator Amy Klobuchar welcomed him back with quotes from his monologue, adding, “Welcome back Jimmy Kimmel!” California Governor Gavin Newsom echoed the sentiment, highlighting Kimmel’s point about free speech: “This show is not important. What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this.”

Not everyone agreed with Kimmel’s return. Andrew Kolvet, spokesman for Turning Point USA, the organization founded by Charlie Kirk, said Kimmel’s comments were “not good enough” and argued that he should have apologized to the Kirk family.

He called Disney’s decision to bring the show back a mistake and hoped broadcasters Nexstar and Sinclair would not follow suit.

President Trump also reacted. About an hour before the show aired, he posted on Truth Social, “I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back.” He questioned the network’s decision, claiming the audience was “GONE” and hinted at possible legal action against ABC.

Stephen Colbert also weighed in, joking about Kimmel’s return on his show, calling it a “standing ovation” moment and expressing admiration for Kimmel. “To know him well is to admire him immensely, even if he takes the whole summer off,” Colbert said.

Kimmel’s return highlights the tension around free speech in late-night television and the clash between networks, political figures, and viewers. The host’s comeback has sparked conversation across social media, with most celebrities and political figures praising him, while some conservative voices continue to voice criticism.

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