Jimmy Kimmel Returns as Trump Calls Him Bully and Threatens ABC

Jimmy Kimmel has strongly responded to President Donald Trump's criticism and threats following the return of Kimmel's ABC show after a suspension. Trump accused ABC of jeopardizing the network by reinstating Kimmel, who he claimed produces poor ratings and partisan content, and threatened legal action against ABC. Kimmel humorously retorted to Trump's comments, calling him a "mad red hatter" and emphasizing that he talks about Trump frequently because he views him as a classic, '80s movie-style bully who continually takes advantage of others. The comedian also mocked Trump's contradiction in threatening ABC while denying coercion and highlighted Trump's historically low approval ratings compared to his own show's strong viewership. Kimmel's return episode garnered significant attention, becoming the show's most-watched regularly scheduled episode ever, and he used his platform to critique Trump's behavior and defend free speech. Throughout his monologues, Kimmel combined humor with pointed critiques of Trump’s actions and rhetoric, underscoring the ongoing tension between the late-night host and the president.