"That's a brutal comeback": Internet reacts as Jimmy Kimmel claims Trump's alleged effort to "cancel" him "backfired bigly"

Jimmy Kimmel has officially returned to late-night television. After a nearly week-long suspension from ABC, the comedian stepped back onto the stage of Jimmy Kimmel Live! with an opening monologue that was emotional, defiant, and satirical.

The ABC suspension came after remarks Kimmel made about the killing of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. It eventually led to Disney, the parent company of ABC, briefly benching him following alleged pressure from Federal Communications Commission officials and affiliate owners Nexstar and Sinclair.

However, instead of apologizing outright, Kimmel used his platform to defend free speech and took aim at POTUS Donald Trump. His statement that Trump's alleged attempt to "cancel" him had "backfired bigly" was quick to go viral. One netizen reacted, saying:

"That is a brutal comeback 😂🔥"

Shashank Pandey

@_____ShashanK

That’s a brutal comeback 😂🔥

Internet reactions to Jimmy Kimmel slamming POTUS Donald Trump

Pop Base took to its official X (formerly Twitter) handle to share that,

""He tried his best to cancel me, instead he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly. He might have to release the Epstein files to distract us from this now.": Jimmy Kimmel on Trump during his first show back."

Netizens were notably quick to weigh in on the X post's comment section as they penned their thoughts. Below are some of their reactions:

"Or was it a way to boost your viewership 🤔 😂 never seen someone get canceled for a day just saying…", noted an X user.

"This is his response! My honest question is; what happened between Jimmy Kimmel and President Donald Trump? Why they beef ? Why they can’t let it go and both focus on their own jobs!", questioned another.

"We are soooo fortunate to have Jimmy Kimmel alongside us for these difficult times. Giving us the opportunities to heal with laughter is his biggest gift and one he should get a Nobel Peace Prize for. Serious.", expressed a third.

Others also chimed in:

"John Oliver just called out Disney and ABC for cancelling Jimmy Kimmel's show indefinitely “Giving the bully your lunch money does not make him go away, he just comes back hungrier each time.” He’s right. They need to grow a spine.", penned a netizen.

"Kimmel is reaching here. Trump did not cancel him, he just called him out. The truth is Kimmel’s ratings have been sinking for a long time. He is not pulling the audience he once did.", commented another.

"Kimmel with the knockout punch 😂 Trump wanted silence, ended up giving him free publicity. Now that’s what we call backfire bigly! 🔥", stated a third.

On the other hand, Donald Trump has seemingly threatened ABC over Kimmel's return. Taking to Truth Social, POTUS wrote:

"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."

He also added:

"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."

Kimmel's comeback episode aired on September 23, 2025. He was greeted by a standing ovation and chants of his name. The host delivered a 16-minute monologue that featured jokes with pointed statements.

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Also Read: "A true icon": Internet reacts as Stephen Colbert stands by Kimmel amid ABC suspension

"They should go on strike again": Internet reacts as SAG-AFTRA slams ABC's move against 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'

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