Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel revealed his interest in having former President Donald Trump as a guest on his show, stating he would “love” to invite him. The comments were made during an interview with Bloomberg following Kimmel’s return to television after a weeklong suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
The comedian addressed the controversy surrounding his remarks about conservative leader Charlie Kirk’s assassination, calling them “maliciously mischaracterized.” He noted the challenges of navigating comedy in today’s politically charged environment. “He’s on TV all day, every day,” Kimmel said of Trump. “He gives us [the media] a lot to use. … I’d love to have Trump on the show, for sure. Alright, I’ll ask him.”
The invitation comes amid tensions between Kimmel and Trump. Last month, Trump celebrated Kimmel’s temporary removal from ABC, claiming he had been fired for “lack of talent.” When Disney-owned ABC reinstated Kimmel after “thoughtful conversations,” Trump criticized the network, alleging the White House was informed his show had been canceled.
ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! on September 17 following pressure from Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr and backlash from affiliates, including Sinclair Broadcast Group, which condemned Kimmel’s remarks. Viewers in major markets such as Washington, D.C., and Seattle were left without the show during the blackout, sparking debates about political influence over programming.
On his return September 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 faced criticism from conservative figures and friends of Kirk, including Turnip USA associates Andrew Kolvet and Jack Posobiec, who called it “fake,” and actor James Woods, who accused Kimmel’s rhetoric of fostering hostility toward conservatives.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
