Trump Demands ABC Cancel Jimmy Kimmel Amid Epstein Monologue Backlash

President Donald Trump stepped up his attacks against ABC and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel on Thursday, urging the network to cancel the comic in a social media post sent shortly after the latest episode of Kimmel's show ended. The president's latest attack came two months after ABC temporarily suspended Kimmel for remarks made following the assassination of GOP activist Charlie Kirk, which the network lifted after a public outcry. According to sources, Kimmel's show on Wednesday night began with a blistering monologue about Trump, with the first 10 minutes concentrated on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the recent Congressional vote to release more material from Epstein's correspondence. Kimmel noted that the country was "carefully following the movements of Hurricane Epstein," and referenced a question posed by Sen. Howard Baker, asking, "What did the president know, and how old were these women when he knew it?" The monologue sparked a strong reaction from Trump, who took to social media to express his displeasure with both ABC and Kimmel. In a statement, Trump's press secretary said, "The president is disappointed but not surprised by ABC's continued bias and lack of accountability. We urge the network to take immediate action to address this issue." When asked for further comment, the press secretary declined, citing the president's busy schedule. The controversy surrounding Kimmel's monologue is not the first time the late-night host has faced criticism from Trump. In 2017, Trump publicly feuded with Kimmel over the host's comments on the president's health care plan. The feud ended with Trump calling Kimmel a "third-rate reporter" and Kimmel responding by saying he was "not a reporter, I'm a comedian." The recent backlash against Kimmel's monologue has sparked a wider debate about the role of late-night comedy in politics. Some argue that comedians like Kimmel play an important role in holding politicians accountable and pushing the boundaries of free speech. Others argue that the line between comedy and journalism is becoming increasingly blurred, and that comedians like Kimmel are crossing into territory that is better left to traditional journalists. As the controversy continues to unfold, ABC has yet to comment on Trump's demands to cancel Kimmel. The network has faced intense pressure from both sides of the aisle, with some calling for Kimmel's suspension and others defending the comedian's right to free speech. The situation remains fluid, with no clear resolution in sight. In related news, the Congressional vote to release more material from Epstein's correspondence has sparked a renewed interest in the case, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability. The Epstein case has been the subject of intense scrutiny in recent years, with many questioning the role of powerful figures in covering up the sex offender's crimes. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how the latest developments will impact the case and the wider debate about accountability and free speech.