Late-Night Drama: Kimmel’s Epic Trump Battle

A smiling man in a suit with a confident expression against a neutral background

A sitting president demands a late-night host’s removal, igniting a firestorm over free speech.

Story Highlights

President Trump called for ABC to remove Jimmy Kimmel, labeling him talentless.
Kimmel responded on-air, using the phrase “Quiet, piggy,” sparking viral attention.
The feud highlights the intersection of political power and media criticism.
Ongoing media scrutiny ties to the Epstein scandal and ABC’s investigative reporting.

Trump’s Demand for Kimmel’s Removal

On November 20, 2025, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to demand ABC remove Jimmy Kimmel from the air, describing him as talentless and critiquing his ratings.

Trump’s post followed heightened tensions with ABC, stemming from their critical coverage of the administration and the ongoing Epstein scandal. The demand for Kimmel’s removal underscores Trump’s ongoing battle with mainstream media, which he often labels as “fake news,” and his attempts to control the media narrative.

In a bold response, Jimmy Kimmel used his late-night platform to address Trump’s demand, delivering a pointed monologue that mocked the president’s fixation on Kimmel and ABC.

During his show, Kimmel used the phrase “Quiet, piggy,” which quickly became a viral soundbite, encapsulating the humor and tension between media and political power. This incident adds another chapter to Kimmel’s history of satirizing Trump, a relationship marked by public confrontations and satirical commentary.

Media and Political Power Clash

The feud between President Trump and Jimmy Kimmel highlights the complex dynamics between political leaders and media figures. Trump’s use of social media to demand action against a media personality marks a significant intersection of political power and media criticism.

This confrontation takes place against a backdrop of ongoing scandals, including the Epstein case, where ABC’s investigative reporting has scrutinized Trump’s connections, further fueling tensions between the administration and the network.

ABC, caught in the crossfire, must navigate the delicate balance between journalistic integrity, ratings, and political pressure. While Trump seeks to silence critics and rally his base, Kimmel and ABC leverage satire and media platforms to hold power accountable.

This ongoing saga raises important questions about the boundaries of free speech and the role of media as a watchdog in a democratic society.

Implications for Media and Free Speech

The public clash between President Trump and Jimmy Kimmel carries significant implications for media freedom and the future of political satire. In the short term, Kimmel’s show has seen increased ratings and public attention, highlighting the role of satire in engaging audiences.

However, the long-term effects may include a chilling impact on media criticism of political figures, setting a precedent for presidential interference in entertainment media.

As media figures like Kimmel continue to use their platforms to critique political leaders, the incident underscores the importance of preserving free speech and media independence. Amidst ongoing debates about the role of satire in political discourse, this feud serves as a reminder of the critical function media plays in holding power to account, even in the face of direct political intervention.