Jimmy Kimmel has always been known for using humor to address political topics, and he showcased this talent once again at the Critics Choice Awards.
During the ceremony on January 4, the renowned late-night host bagged the Best Talk Show award and took the opportunity to make a few quips about President Donald Trump in his acceptance speech.
This award comes in the wake of a temporary suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! by ABC, prompted by complaints from Nexstar and Sinclair, two major affiliate station owners. The controversy revolved around Kimmel’s monologue concerning Charlie Kirk’s alleged assailant.
Instead of avoiding the topic, Kimmel addressed it directly, expressing gratitude to those who supported him during the suspension of his show.
“Thanks to all the writers and actors and producers and union members, many of you who are in this room, who supported us, who really stepped forward us and reminded us that we do not take free speech for granted in this city or in this country,” he said. “Your actions were important, and we appreciate them.”
During his speech, Kimmel also took a moment to humorously acknowledge the President.
“And most of all, I want to thank our president, Donald Jennifer Trump, without whom, we would be going home empty-handed tonight,” Kimmel added.
“So thank you, Mr President, for all the many ridiculous things you do each and every day. It’s been a banner couple of weeks, and we can’t get wait to get back on the air tomorrow night to talk about them. Thank you, everyone.”
It’s been a few months since ABC suspended Kimmel, but since then, he has secured a new contract with Disney that keeps his show on air until 2027. To revisit the events of September, here’s a look back at what occurred.
After it was announced that Kimmel’s show was being pulled from ABC following 22 years of broadcasting, Trump took to social media to comment on the network’s decision.
“Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done,” he wrote. “Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible.”
But what exactly was the reason behind Kimmel’s suspension?
The situation unfolded shortly after the murder of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk at an event at Utah Valley University, occurring on September 10.
Kirk, who left behind two children, was shot in the neck and later died at a hospital in Orem, Utah. Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested and charged in connection with the political activist’s death.
On the September 15 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel commented on the tragic event while addressing how certain MAGA supporters and Trump responded.
Kimmel criticized what he saw as Trump’s insincere mourning and the online discussions about the shooter’s political affiliations.
Jimmy Kimmel’s full comments on Charlie Kirk which led to his show being taken off air indefinitely. pic.twitter.com/Ctg7LL8HWL
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) September 18, 2025
“We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it,” Kimmel said. “In between the finger-pointing, there was grieving.
“On Friday, the White House flew the flags at half staff, which got some criticism, but on a human level, you can see how hard the president is taking this,” Kimmel added.
The show then presented a clip of Trump responding to reporters’ questions regarding his reaction to the death of someone labeled as a ‘good friend’.
“I think very good,” Trump responded, before talking about the construction of the White House’s ballroom.
Once the clip concluded, Kimmel returned on screen.
“Yes, he’s at the fourth stage of grief, construction,” Kimmel quipped.
He continued to jest, saying: “Demolition, construction. This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish, okay?”
The segment caused significant backlash from Trump supporters, leading to Kimmel’s suspension. However, he was back on air just five days later.