Donald Trump Pursues a “Kill List” of Liberal Late-Night Comedians
Sept. 22, 2025 – Published 4:23 p.m. ET
In a surprising turn of events, former President Donald Trump has reportedly formulated a secret “kill list” targeting liberal late-night comedians he deems a threat to his agenda. Sources within the television industry inform RadarOnline that the list was shared with key figures in broadcasting shortly after ABC announced the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!—a decision sparked by Kimmel’s recent sharp critiques of conservative figures.
ABC’s Suspension of Kimmel
Following a series of stinging monologues that took aim at right-leaning audiences and commentators, Kimmel’s show was sidelined. On September 22, ABC confirmed that the show would return one week after its suspension, although the backlash and speculation continue to swirl.
Trump wasted no time in expressing his approval of Kimmel’s suspension, taking to his social media platform, Truth Social, to herald the news as “great for America.” He encouraged rival networks to follow suit by dismissing other prominent late-night hosts, including Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, and Trevor Noah.
Trump’s Campaign Against Late-Night Comedy
A Republican media strategist, familiar with Trump’s plans, disclosed, “He has circulated a list of names—Fallon, Colbert, Meyers, Noah, and of course Kimmel. The directive is clear: we need to push for their removal from television.”
In his online post, Trump mocked Kimmel’s talent and ratings, explicitly urging NBC to act against their late-night hosts, dubbing them “total losers.” The call for action reflects Trump’s continued disdain for the late-night comedy landscape, which he has described as dominated by “the liberal elite.”
Pressure on Broadcasting Networks
The tension intensified after Kimmel’s remarks regarding the murder of activist Charlie Kirk, where he accused the MAGA crowd of attempting to downplay the incident. He even targeted Vice President JD Vance, stating Trump was “fanning the flames” through his confrontational rhetoric.
Sources from major networks indicate that Trump’s influence transcends social media. An executive revealed, “He is directly making calls, and there is a concerted effort to pressure networks into canceling these shows. Trump desires a comprehensive sweep of late-night programming.”
Brendan Carr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), publicly defended ABC’s decision, stating Kimmel was facing the consequences of his controversial remarks. However, behind the scenes, communication industry insiders claim that Carr is experiencing significant “relentless pressure” from Trump to regulate networks that support satirical hosts critical of the administration.
Union Outcry and Political Backlash
The suspension of Kimmel has prompted a backlash from the SAG-AFTRA union, which condemned the move. They warned, “The suppression of free speech and retaliation against those who voice critical opinions undermines the fundamental rights we cherish.”
Despite the controversy, some officials celebrated ABC’s decision, including White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich, who remarked, “Welcome to consequence culture,” echoing sentiments of accountability in broadcasting.
As Trump’s animosity toward late-night television hosts grows, it’s evident that he views these platforms as influential bastions of liberal opinion. A former adviser to the president summed it up poignantly: “He sees these shows as the last standing megaphones of the liberal elite—and won’t rest until they are silenced.”
The political landscape surrounding late-night comedy continues to evolve, leaving viewers to speculate what the future holds for this format amid growing pressures from high-profile political figures.
Keywords: Donald Trump, late-night comedy, Jimmy Kimmel, kill list, censorship, broadcasting networks.
