Donald Trump responds with glee as Jimmy Kimmel show axed over Charlie Kirk comments

Donald Trump has celebrated ABC's decision to axe Jimmy Kimmel Live! following the host's comments about the killing of Charlie Kirk. The American political activist was shot dead last week during a debate in Utah.

On Monday, Kimmel used his programme to accuse the US president and his allies of "doing their best to fan the flames following the assassination. And now the organisation that airs his show, ABC, has revealed it is taking the long-running programme off air, with Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar's broadcasting division, saying it "strongly objects" to Kimmel's comments.

It's led to ABC getting the backing of Trump. He savagely took to Truth Social to say "congratulations to ABC" and "Kimmel has ZERO talent". But the decision hasn't been met with appreciation from other high-end celebs.

Jamie Lee Curtis was among those sharing her disbelief at the decision. On her Instagram Story, she shared a quote attributed to the comedian alongside of photo of him. "I don't think anybody should be canceled. I really don't," it read.

Singer John Legend also shared a post condemning the decision. The post, originally by David Frum read: '"How dare you call us fascists just because our appointees threaten government retaliation against broadcast networks if their comedians don't say what we want them to say."'

And on Twitter/X, Ben stiller reposted ABC's decision to pull the show and added: "This isn't right."

Kimmel had called out what he said he saw as hypocrisy in how Republicans have responded to the death of Kirk. The presenter's contract with the show is set to end in May next year and insiders believe he is now "looking for ways to get out" of the deal.

It is believed Kimmel, 57, is set to go on Stephen Colbert's show in the US in the coming days as Colbert - a Democrat - has also been criticised by Mr Trump after his show was axed by CBS in the summer.

Speaking to Daily Mail a source said: "They both are in the same predicament with being against the Trump administration, and they are now looking to do something together to fight for what they believe in.

"They both don't want Trump to win in any way or fashion at all, and this has lit an extreme fire under Jimmy's a** to continue to tell it like it is and be real to himself."

Tyler Robinson, 22, is accused of shooting Kirk dead at the university. The FBI claims it has uncovered a message where he indicated he would kill the MAGA activist before the shooting took place. An alleged note chillingly claims Robinson had vowed to seize the chance to “take out” the firebrand activist, according to the organisation.

"He had an opportunity to take out Mr Kirk and was going to make use of it,” director Kash Pattel said. The FBI chief also said DNA linking Robinson was discovered on a towel wrapped around the bolt-action rifle used in the killing.