In a stunning turn of events, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has returned to the airwaves after a brief suspension, only to find himself at odds with former President Donald Trump, who now claims the network’s decision to reinstate Kimmel constitutes “unfair competition.”
Kimmel’s return episode garnered over 6.3 million viewers, making it the second-highest rated broadcast in the show’s history. The episode featured a monologue that mocked Trump’s reaction to the reinstatement, reading aloud from the former president’s Truth Social post: “I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back.” Kimmel responded, “You can’t believe they gave me my job back? I can’t believe we gave you your job back!”
The monologue also addressed Trump’s threats to ABC, with Kimmel quipping, “Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, whoâs not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE.”
In response, Trump took to Truth Social, accusing ABC of “colluding with late-night hosts to undermine my presidency” and threatening legal action for “unfair competition.” Legal experts are baffled, as the concept of “unfair competition” typically applies to businesses, not television networks airing comedy shows.
In a press conference, Trump’s spokesperson Abigail Jackson elaborated, stating, “ABC’s decision to bring back Kimmel is a clear violation of the ‘Fairness Doctrine,’ which, while technically no longer in effect, should still apply when it comes to making fun of the president.”
Meanwhile, Kimmel’s return has sparked a wave of support from fellow late-night hosts. Stephen Colbert celebrated the reinstatement as a victory for free speech, while Seth Meyers mocked Trump’s reaction to a minor escalator malfunction at the United Nations, dubbing it “Escalatorgate.”
As the late-night landscape heats up, one thing is clear: the battle between Kimmel and Trump is far from over, and the real winners may just be the viewers tuning in for the drama.
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