Barack Obama, Donald Trump, others react to ABC's decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel's show over 'Kirk' comment

The Walt Disney-owned network confirmed to USA TODAY on Wednesday, Sept. 17, that it has indefinitely pulled Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show following comments he made on a Sept. 15 episode regarding the fatal shooting of the conservative commentator.

The remark, which triggered the row, was made during his opening monologue when the Who Wants To Be A Millionaire host criticised supporters of President Donald Trump following the arrest of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, the person who was charged in the killing of Kirk.

Kimmel had said the "MAGA gang" was "desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them", reported USA Today.

Meanwhile, the decision to suspend the show has attracted a mixed reaction from various sections of society.

US President Donald Trump was quick in supporting the suspension when he wrote on Truth Social: "Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT."

Former President Barack Obama wrote on X: "After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies unless they muzzle or fire reporters and commentators it doesn’t like."

"This is precisely the kind of government coercion that the First Amendment was designed to prevent — and media companies need to start standing up rather than capitulating to it," he further said.

Brendan Carr, FCC chairman, told Fox News: "While this may be an unprecedented decision, it is important for broadcasters to push back on Disney programming that they determine falls short of community values."

Comedian Wanda Sykes posted a video on Instagram, showing support for Kimmel.

On Sept 10, 2025, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at a Turning Point USA event on the American Comeback Tour at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. 

The suspect, Tyler James Robinson, a 22-year-old from Washington, Utah, was arrested about 33 hours later.  

Prosecutors allege Kirk was targeted because of his political views; Robinson reportedly left a note and sent texts expressing that he had “had enough of [Kirk’s] hatred,” and cited ideological conflicts, especially over Kirk’s rhetoric on LGBTQ+ issues.

Criticising the Trump-led administration, she said: "Let’s see. He didn’t end the Ukraine war or solve Gaza within his first week."

She further said: "But he did end freedom of speech within his first year. Hey, for those of you who pray, now’s the time to do it. Love you, Jimmy.”

Democratic senator Adam Schiff wrote on X: "Kimmel.Colbert.Suits against the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and 60 Minutes.Extorting settlements from CBS, ABC, and others.Blocking the AP's access to the White House. This administration is responsible for the most blatant attacks on the free press in American history.What will be left of the First Amendment when he’s done?"