Trump Slams ABC Over Kimmel’s Return; Ratings Surge, Affiliate Fallout | CNN2.0

⚡ President Trump vowed retribution and said he would “test ABC,” citing a prior $16M settlement, after the network reinstated Jimmy Kimmel following a suspension over remarks about Charlie Kirk’s suspected killer. 📈 Kimmel’s return drew about 6.3M TV viewers plus 26M online, while major affiliate groups Sinclair and Nexstar did not air the episode, limiting access to his on‑air remarks. 🎙️ Kimmel defended free speech, said he never intended to make light of Kirk’s murder, and emotionally addressed Kirk’s supporters while criticizing political efforts to silence comedians and the press. 🏛️ Vice President J.D. Vance claimed there was “zero” government pressure, but an on‑camera clip showed FCC Chair Brendan Carr telling affiliates they could do things “the easy way or the hard way” before preemptions. 🔁 Reactions ranged from Joe Rogan warning that government pressure can boomerang to a Turning Point USA spokesman calling Kimmel’s statement insufficient and demanding a direct apology for “lying.” #Hashtags
#JimmyKimmel #ABC #Disney #Trump #FCC #FreeSpeech #LateNight #Affiliates #Ratings #CNN2Point0