Trump’s Media Feud Escalates: Jimmy Kimmel Firing Demand Caps Week of Hostile Exchanges

Former President Donald Trump demanded ABC fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. The call came in a Truth Social post made early Thursday morning. Trump’s post called Kimmel a “bum” and told the network to “Get him off the air!!!”.

This incident is the latest in a series of confrontations between Trump and media figures. According to Reuters, the former president has targeted several journalists and comedians in recent days. The pattern highlights ongoing tensions.

A Cascade of Confrontations with the Press

The week’s hostilities began with NBC’s Seth Meyers. Trump accused the host of having “Trump Derangement Syndrome”. He also labeled Meyers’ show a “Ratings DISASTER” and called for his immediate firing.

Meyers responded on air with humor. He referred to the post as “thoughtful fan mail”. The host then joked about the specific phrasing used in the attack.

Next, video surfaced of Trump insulting a Bloomberg reporter. During a gaggle on Air Force One, he told Catherine Lucey to “Quiet! Quiet, piggy”. The exchange occurred after she asked about the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Broader Implications for Media and Politics

The confrontations continued during a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s crown prince. Trump clashed with ABC News correspondent Mary Bruce. He called her a “terrible reporter” and suggested ABC’s license should be reviewed.

This rhetoric raises concerns about press freedom. The Associated Press has documented similar attacks during his presidency. The repeated calls to fire journalists and entertainers create a charged atmosphere.

Kimmel addressed Trump’s firing demand on his Thursday show. He thanked the former president for watching live. Kimmel then issued a challenge, saying he would leave when Trump does.

The ongoing Trump Jimmy Kimmel feud underscores a deeply polarized media landscape. These public spats are likely to continue shaping political discourse. The situation remains volatile for all involved.

Thought you’d like to know

What did Trump’s post about Jimmy Kimmel say?

He called Kimmel a “bum” and demanded ABC remove him from television. The post was made on his Truth Social platform in the early hours of Thursday.

Who else did Trump target this week?

He also went after NBC host Seth Meyers and two White House reporters. The reporters were from Bloomberg and ABC News.

How did Jimmy Kimmel respond?

Kimmel joked about the post on his late-night show. He challenged Trump, saying “I’ll go when you go”.

Why is this significant?

Analysts see it as part of a broader pattern of hostility toward the media. It fuels ongoing debates about free press and political discourse.

Has Trump targeted late-night hosts before?

Yes, he has frequently criticized comedians and journalists on social media. This is not his first call for someone to be fired.