"We can now say whatever we want on TV": Jimmy Kimmel taunts FCC and POTUS Trump amid shutdown

On Wednesday night, Jimmy Kimmel came to his stage with a sharp monologue about the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and POTUS Donald Trump. These remarks came after controversy over his ABC suspension and in the middle of a federal government shutdown, which has disrupted operations of multiple federal agencies, including the FCC.

Jimmy Kimmel stated that during the shutdown, the FCC stopped responding to consumer complaint phone lines. For Kimmel, it was an opportunity to poke fun at the system as he said:

"I am not a lawyer, but I think this means we can now say whatever we want on TV. I mean, there is nobody that takes the complaint."

His sidekick, Guillermo Rodriguez, joined in to humorously test the theory.

The connection between Jimmy Kimmel's recent ABC suspension and the FCC Chairman

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr allegedly played a role in Jimmy Kimmel's controversial ABC suspension. The drama began in mid-September after the comedian addressed the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk during his show.

In a September 15 monologue, Kimmel criticized attempts by the "MAGA gang" to frame the murder in political terms. Following this, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr suggested broadcasters should "take action" against Kimmel. Shortly after, ABC "indefinitely" suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live!

However, Kimmel returned to the air on September 23, 2025. During his first monologue after the return, he clarified that it was "never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man."

Trump's role in the controversy

Donald Trump notably weighed in on Kimmel's ABC suspension and eventual return. He celebrated the suspension as "great news for America" and warned ABC of consequences when the show resumed. Following the comedian's return on his late-night show, POTUS posted:

"I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his “talent” was never there. Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who’s not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE."

The post continued:

"He is yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution. I think we’re going to test ABC out on this. Let’s see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings."

During the shutdown, Kimmel also criticized Trump's decision to share AI-generated videos of Congressman Hakeem Jeffries. "That video was posted by the President of the United States," Kimmel pointed out.

On the other hand, Brendan Carr is reportedly expected to testify before the Senate Commerce Committee in November. Lawyers are allegedly planning to press him about his involvement in Kimmel's suspension.

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