JD Vance Names His Choice To Replace Jimmy Kimmel After Cancellation

ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! is exposing deep fault lines over how far late-night television can go when it comes to attacking conservatives. What began with one monologue has now spiraled into a national debate over free speech, media responsibility, and whether corporate broadcasters are finally being held accountable.

The controversy erupted after Kimmel’s comments about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In his monologue, Kimmel told viewers that many in “MAGA land” were “desperately trying to … characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them” and accused conservatives of “doing everything they can to score political points from it.”

However, investigators and even the suspect’s family said the killer had “turned politically left” in recent years, meaning Kimmel’s framing was not only misleading but grossly unfair. Many blasted the host for twisting a tragedy to smear political opponents, and this time the outrage didn’t just stay online.

Nexstar Media Group, which operates dozens of ABC affiliates across the country, refused to carry the program, calling Kimmel’s comments “offensive and insensitive.” Even regulators weighed in. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the remarks could justify action against ABC and Disney, arguing broadcasters are supposed to operate in the “public interest.” Under pressure from both affiliates and Washington, ABC announced the show would be suspended “indefinitely.”

Critics on the left claim this is censorship, with former President Obama calling it part of “cancel culture.” But President Trump and his allies praised the move as overdue, saying Kimmel’s words crossed a line.

Into that storm stepped Vice President JD Vance. On Thursday morning, he joked on X: “Everyone please congratulate @marcorubio, the new host of ABC’s late night show!” The comment instantly drew millions of views and reframed the conversation.

Everyone please congratulate @marcorubio, the new host of ABC’s late night show!

— JD Vance (@JDVance) September 18, 2025

Rubio, who now serves as Secretary of State in the Trump administration, is hardly a late-night comedian. Before joining the Cabinet, he represented Florida in the Senate for over a decade and has since taken on additional duties as acting National Security Advisor. The idea of him sitting behind a talk-show desk is unlikely.

By naming Rubio, Vance shone a light on the frustration with late-night TV — a space long dominated by left-leaning hosts like Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, and Seth Meyers.

ABC has given no timetable for Jimmy Kimmel Live!’s return. The network has described the suspension as “indefinite,” leaving open questions about whether Kimmel will return, whether another host might step in, or whether the network will simply sever ties. Kimmel’s contract runs through May 2026, meaning Disney could face a costly decision if the show is not renewed.

For now, the fallout continues. Kimmel’s remarks turned a tragedy into political theater, and ABC was forced to respond after affiliates and regulators applied pressure.