WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews) – In an interview with Newsmax, President Donald Trump on Thursday again called for ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, describing him as “seriously unfunny” and saying, “It better be soon.”

In a Truth Social post this week, Trump criticized Kimmel’s ratings and performance, intensifying a broader dispute with the Disney-owned network. The remarks follow recent jokes by Kimmel that drew backlash from both Trump and first lady Melania Trump.

The conflict has extended beyond public criticism, with the Federal Communications Commission reviewing several ABC-owned stations, though experts say license revocations remain unlikely.

ABC has given no indication it plans to remove Kimmel and has continued airing his show.

Trump questioned how Kimmel remains on air given what he described as poor ratings and relentless criticism of Republicans, conservatives and himself.

“I don’t know how a guy can be on television where the network gets free airwaves from the United States government and spend 100% of his time knocking Republicans and conservatives and Trump at 100% of his time,” Trump said. “It’s not supposed to work that way, equal time provisions, et cetera.”

Trump added: “I think ABC is putting themselves in great jeopardy, actually.”

The president referenced a prior legal settlement in which ABC paid him $16 million after George Stephanopoulos made statements Trump said were untrue.

“You know, they’ve already paid me $16 million,” Trump said. “George Slopadopoulos said things that were untrue, and they had to pay me $16 million. So this is very serious what’s going on there.”

The remarks came amid ongoing tensions between Trump and major media outlets. ABC has not publicly commented on Trump’s latest criticism or calls for Kimmel’s dismissal.