JD Vance managed to throw social media into a frenzy with just one post, and it all started with Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension. The Walt Disney-owned network confirmed on Wednesday, September 17, that Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been pulled “indefinitely” after the late-night host’s explosive comments about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk’s fatal shooting.
During his September 15 monologue, Kimmel criticized Donald Trump supporters while addressing the arrest of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who has been charged with Kirk’s killing. The remarks didn’t sit well with the Federal Communications Commission or ABC brass, who announced the show would be “pre-empted indefinitely.”
Trump wasted no time celebrating on Truth Social, crowing, “Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.” The president also falsely claimed the network had canceled the show altogether.
JD Vance Sparks Replacement Rumors
But it was Senator JD Vance who truly sent timelines into chaos. Just one day after the announcement, the Ohio Republican posted on X, “Everyone please congratulate @marcorubio, the new host of ABC’s late night show!”
The declaration sent many into a tailspin, with some users frantically asking if it was real. “Is this confirmed??” one confused commenter wrote, while another joked, “He is the new most interesting man in the world.”
For those unaware, Marco Rubio is a controversial Republican senator from Florida, first elected in 2010, who rose to national prominence during his 2016 presidential run. Known for his staunch conservative views and high-profile clashes with both Democrats and members of his own party, Rubio has long been a polarizing figure in U.S. politics.
At this time, ABC has made no announcement about a replacement host. All the network said was that Kimmel’s late-night show has been paused indefinitely. Meanwhile, Sinclair Broadcast Group, which holds the largest ABC affiliate network in the country, announced that it will air “a special in remembrance of Charlie Kirk” this Friday instead of Kimmel’s show. In a press release, Sinclair made it clear they will not lift the suspension “until formal discussions are held with ABC regarding the network’s commitment to professionalism and accountability.”
For now, the fate of Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains up in the air.
