Jimmy Kimmel Jokes with Trump About ‘Ceasefire’ Over ABC Firing Threats

Comedian Jimmy Kimmel took a lighthearted jab at Donald Trump this week after the former president renewed his calls for ABC to fire him. During his June 12, 2025 monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel responded with humor and sarcasm, suggesting a truce between the two.

Kimmel opened his segment by sharing a playful anecdote: “This morning when I woke up, I woke up to my wife shooting video of me with her phone. It turns out she was shooting me to let me know the president gave me another shout out today.” The clip then showed Kimmel reacting to Trump’s latest statement with a smirk, saying, “I haven’t even been fired once. How can I be fired again?”

Back on set, Kimmel read Trump’s message to ABC aloud, which stated: “When is ABC Fake News Network firing seriously unfunny Jimmy Kimmel, who incompetently presides over one of the Lowest Rated shows on Television? People are angry. It better be soon!!!”

Kimmel fired back, “If incompetently presiding over not just one of, but the lowest rating in history is the reason I should be fired, we should both be out of a job because you’re not doing too good either.” He continued, “He also called into Newsmax this afternoon to call me a low life and demand I be fired again. This guy is so mad. You would think I posted a picture of seashells or something.”

Kimmel then shifted his focus to Trump’s priorities, noting the ongoing conflicts involving Iran, Ukraine, and comedians. “Imagine if FDR had taken to the airwaves during the Battle of the Bulge to complain about a little orphan Annie comic strip he didn’t like,” he quipped. “Trump has three wars going on right now. Iranians, Ukrainians, and comedians.”

The comedian also praised Republican lawmakers who have defended free speech amid the feud. “Senator Ted Cruz again, Senator Rand Paul again, and Congressman James Comer,” Kimmel said. “Every one of these guys I’ve made fun of repeatedly and viciously on this show. And you know what not one of them has done? Pressured ABC to fire me for it.”

As he wrapped up, Kimmel expressed concern about the escalating conflict, joking, “I’m worried this conflict is going to escalate. He might put a blockade on Hollywood Boulevard. Nobody will be able to get in.” He then proposed a solution: “I think it might be time for us to figure this out because it’s getting crazy. We don’t have to meet face to face. I know you’re busy. Send a delegation.”

Kimmel playfully suggested Vice President JD Vance as the ideal negotiator, given Vance’s role in leading negotiations with Iran. “We can meet in a neutral location like Pakistan or I don’t know Van Nuys. We could go to the Buffalo Wild Wings down the street,” he added, keeping the tone lighthearted.