In a dramatic fallout from the national mourning over conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination, ABC announced on September 17, 2025, that it has indefinitely pulled “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from its schedule. The decision follows host Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue on September 15, where he criticized the MAGA movement for allegedly politicizing the killing of Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, who was fatally shot by a sniper at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on September 10.
Kimmel’s remarks sparked immediate backlash. In his segment, he stated, “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it.” The comments, which linked the suspect, Tyler Robinson, to Trump supporters, drew condemnation from conservatives, including President Donald Trump, who called them “sick” and urged NBC to follow suit with its late-night hosts.
The suspension was precipitated by major ABC affiliates, including Nexstar Media Group—owner of 28 stations—and Sinclair Broadcast Group, which announced they would preempt the show indefinitely. Nexstar cited Kimmel’s words as “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse,” opting to replace it with alternative programming. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr amplified the pressure, threatening license revocation for affiliates airing the show, labeling the remarks “the sickest conduct possible.”
ABC’s spokesperson confirmed the indefinite hiatus, stating the network is reviewing the situation amid the controversy. Kimmel’s team has not commented, but sources indicate he planned to address the backlash in the preempted episode. The move comes amid a broader wave of firings and suspensions for those celebrating or downplaying Kirk’s death, including over 100 Texas teachers losing certifications. Kirk’s assassination has deepened national divides, with Turning Point USA reporting a surge in chapter inquiries as his legacy endures.
