Former US President Donald Trump recently made bold claims that popular late-night TV hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon might soon lose their shows.
After CBS announced it is cancelling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Trump hinted that more hosts from other networks could be next. While some believe this is just political noise, there might be a bit of truth — at least in Kimmel’s case.
What Did Trump Say?
On July 22, 2025, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel and NBC’s Jimmy Fallon are also likely to be removed from their shows. He wrote that both comedians have “no talent” and blamed them for ruining late-night television.
Trump added, “It’s good to see them go, and I hope I played a major part in it!”
These comments came right after CBS cancelled The Late Show, hosted by Stephen Colbert — another vocal critic of Trump. Now, Trump’s latest remarks are creating buzz about the future of other late-night TV shows.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Contract Is Ending Soon
Jimmy Kimmel has been hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC since 2003. His current contract will end in 2026, and he hasn’t confirmed whether he will continue after that.
In a February 2024 interview, Kimmel said, “I think this is my final contract.” He joked that every time he says he’s quitting, he ends up staying longer. But this time, it seems he might actually mean it.
Kimmel’s fans are now wondering whether Trump’s statements or Colbert’s exit might influence Kimmel’s decision to leave.
It’s important to know that Kimmel has often spoken against Trump on his show and is known for supporting the Democratic party. Some are concerned that his political opinions might be a reason networks may hesitate to renew his contract.
Fallon Seems Safe – For Now
While Trump also claimed Jimmy Fallon might be removed, the chances of that happening soon are low. Fallon still has a contract with NBC until 2028. Unless something major happens, it’s unlikely that NBC will end his show early.
In fact, Fallon’s show The Tonight Show is doing well in terms of ad revenue. According to a report, the show made over $80 million in ad sales last year — a 34% jump. Even though Fallon’s total viewership is less than Kimmel’s or Colbert’s, advertisers still find value in his show.
Is Trump Really Influencing These Decisions?
There’s no proof that Trump has anything to do with the cancellation of The Late Show or any other late-night shows. However, some recent events have added fuel to the fire. CBS, which owns The Late Show, recently settled a $16 million lawsuit with Trump.
Interestingly, ABC also settled a similar defamation case with Trump in 2023 — again for $16 million.
These back-to-back legal settlements and the sudden cancellation of Colbert’s show have made some people wonder if politics played a role in the decision.
What’s Next for Late-Night TV?
Right now, there’s no official confirmation that Kimmel or Fallon will be fired. But the industry is clearly going through big changes. If Kimmel chooses not to renew his contract, it may not have anything to do with Trump — he’s hinted at retirement several times before.
As for Fallon, his rising ad sales and long-term contract make him a valuable asset for NBC. So even if Trump wants him gone, it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen anytime soon.
While Trump’s comments are making headlines, the future of late-night television depends more on ratings, ad revenue, and network strategies than on political pressure. Jimmy Kimmel may indeed leave after his contract ends, but that decision seems personal and planned.
Jimmy Fallon, on the other hand, is safe for now, with growing ad numbers supporting his show. Whether Trump truly played any part in these shifts is unclear, but late-night TV is definitely changing — and fast.