"That backfired bigly": Kimmel's return is a defeat for Project 2025

“That backfired bigly”: Kimmel’s return is a defeat for Project 2025
Resistance through humor and public outrage still carries weight

By Sophia Tesfaye
Senior Writer
Published September 24, 2025 9:15AM (EDT)


(Salon) Before late-night host Jimmy Kimmel returned to the air after he was suspended for what Disney, the owner of ABC, characterized as “ill-timed and thus insensitive” remarks about the killing of Charlie Kirk, President Donald Trump made it clear that the comedian was still at risk of government backlash. Trump took to Truth Social late Tuesday to condemn ABC’s decision and suggest that Kimmel’s return might amount to an “illegal campaign contribution” to the Democratic National Committee. He threatened to “test ABC out on this” — apparently alluding to a prior $16 million settlement paid by the network. “The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now,” the president complained.

“This show is not important,” Kimmel told his audience upon his return Tuesday. “What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this.”

....(snip)....

In the wake of Kimmel’s suspension, boycotts and protests were immediately activated. Activists urged viewers to cancel Disney subscriptions, advertisers to shun ABC and local stations to refuse cooperation. A gunman opened fire on an ABC affiliate building in California.

Kimmel’s return was a test: Is there still room in our media ecosystem for dissenting voices? Or will the mere hint of pressure from the FCC or the White House be enough to bend networks into submission? His comeback monologue made it clear that to assert the marketplace of ideas remains open, the media cannot shrink in fear every time Trump scolds them. “As I was saying before I was interrupted,” Kimmel began his monologue in defiance. Even for a beloved and wealthy celebrity, it was pretty brave.

....(snip)....

Boycotts, while noble, remain a blunt instrument unless tied to larger structural pressure. The real question is whether the public, Congress and courts will back institutions that protect media independence from coercion. Will there be legislative guardrails for regulatory overreach? Will corporate boards resist yielding to political intimidation? ...............(more)

https://www.salon.com/2025/09/24/that-backfired-bigly-kimmels-return-is-a-defeat-for-project-2025/