President Trump labeled Jimmy Kimmel a “whack job” during his UK trip and praised ABC for suspending the late-night host over his Charlie Kirk remarks.

President Donald J. Trump wrapped up his visit to the United Kingdom on Friday with a characteristically fiery departure speech, taking questions from reporters before boarding Air Force One at London Stansted Airport.

In remarks that quickly drew attention on both sides of the Atlantic, Trump celebrated ABC’s suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel following his controversial comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk and suggested the comedian’s seat could be filled by virtually “anyone.”

The president, standing against the backdrop of the presidential plane and flanked by aides, did not hold back when asked about the fallout from Kimmel’s remarks. “Kimmel’s a whack job. Always has been,” Trump told the press corps.

“ABC made the right move getting him out. That show has been failing for years, terrible ratings. You could put anyone in that chair and do better than him. Literally anyone.”

Trump’s comments come just days after ABC announced that *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* would be suspended indefinitely, following the host’s refusal to apologize for what the network described as “offensive” remarks made during a monologue on Monday night.

During the broadcast, Kimmel had accused what he called the “MAGA gang” of trying to spin political points out of the killing of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10.

The incident sparked outrage from conservative groups, with the Federal Communications Commission chairman later criticizing Disney, ABC’s parent company, for allowing Kimmel’s language on air.

For Trump, the controversy has provided fresh ammunition in his ongoing battle with the late-night television world, which he has often accused of bias and of serving as mouthpieces for his political rivals.

“Kimmel, Colbert, Fallon, Meyers — they’ve all gone after me for years,” Trump said. “They’re not funny. They’re angry, nasty, and they’ve been failing for a long time. Finally, one network had the guts to say enough. Now it’s time for the others.”

The president went further, suggesting that ABC executives may have acted not only out of moral objection to Kimmel’s comments but also because of business considerations. “Disney’s not stupid,” Trump added.

“They know the numbers. They know Kimmel’s not a moneymaker anymore. This was an excuse to do what they should’ve done a long time ago. And good for them.”

Kimmel, 57, has not publicly commented since being photographed outside the Century City office of his attorney, Karl Austen, earlier this week.

Sources familiar with his discussions with Disney executives have said he stood firm in rejecting calls to apologize, telling ABC leadership that his comments reflected his genuine view of the political moment.

Reports also suggest that Kimmel’s contract with Disney was set to expire within months, raising questions about whether the network was prepared to extend the agreement.

Trump’s verbal assault on Kimmel drew loud cheers from supporters gathered near the airport fences, where a small group waved American and British flags. Asked whether he thought Kimmel’s suspension would be permanent, the president smirked.

“I don’t think anybody’s going to miss him. ABC could put reruns of old cartoons in that slot and get higher ratings. The American people are tired of being lectured at night by clowns who think they’re geniuses.”

The president also pointed to Stephen Colbert’s ouster earlier this summer, when CBS abruptly ended *The Late Show* following a heated controversy surrounding Colbert’s criticisms of the administration.

“First Colbert, now Kimmel,” Trump said. “It’s beautiful. Maybe Fallon and Meyers are next. I think NBC should do the right thing.”

While in the UK, Trump met with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and members of the British Parliament, where discussions focused on trade, defense cooperation, and joint security challenges.

Yet the president’s parting comments ensured that his focus on the U.S. culture wars would dominate headlines on his way home.

Observers note that Trump’s ongoing feud with late-night comedians has been a recurring feature of his political persona since his 2016 campaign.

During his presidency and subsequent years, he has repeatedly denounced comedians for what he perceives as unfair attacks. Kimmel, in particular, became a frequent critic, using his platform to rail against Trump’s policies, rhetoric, and personal conduct.

The fallout from Kimmel’s suspension has rippled through the entertainment industry.

Fellow late-night hosts have voiced varying degrees of support, with Jon Stewart dedicating a portion of *The Daily Show* to mocking the suspension, while Seth Meyers referred to the controversy in a series of jokes on his NBC program.

Meanwhile, ABC affiliates owned by the Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group preemptively pulled Kimmel’s show even before the network officially suspended it, signaling the scale of backlash from conservative-leaning broadcasters.

Industry insiders say the suspension leaves a void in ABC’s late-night programming lineup, where *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* has aired since 2003.

Potential replacements are already being speculated upon, with some suggesting that ABC could experiment with rotating guest hosts or pursue a younger, less polarizing figure.

Others argue the network may move away from traditional late-night altogether, redirecting resources into streaming and digital-first content aimed at younger viewers.

Trump’s dismissive comment that “anyone” could replace Kimmel reflects his broader view of the late-night industry as a declining enterprise.

“The days of Carson and Leno are gone,” he told reporters. “Now it’s just angry politics dressed up as comedy. People don’t want that anymore. They want to laugh again.”

As Air Force One lifted off from London, Trump’s words were already reverberating in Washington, New York, and Hollywood. For Kimmel, whose career has spanned more than two decades, the immediate future remains uncertain.

For Trump, the episode is another opportunity to highlight what he sees as the failures of a media landscape that has long opposed him.

And for ABC, the decision to sideline one of its most recognizable stars could mark a turning point in the volatile intersection of entertainment, politics, and public opinion.

Whether Kimmel finds a way back to the network, pivots to a streaming platform, or exits the late-night stage altogether, one fact is clear:

his battle with Trump and the fallout from his remarks about Charlie Kirk have catapulted him into the center of a national debate — one in which the president has made sure to have the last word, at least for now.