Kimmel Backs CBS’s 60 Minutes Amid Trump’s $20B Lawsuit and Media Chaos

In a surprising twist at the New York Upfronts, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel urged advertisers to rally behind CBS’s 60 Minutes, despite its ongoing controversies and a hefty lawsuit from President Donald Trump. The comedian, known for his sharp wit, used his platform to champion the embattled news program, emphasizing the critical role of journalism in today’s turbulent media landscape.

Kimmel’s plea came during a monologue that blended humor with a call to action. “Support 60 Minutes—they deserve it,” he declared, highlighting the show’s legacy amid a $20 billion lawsuit from Trump, who alleges election interference over a 2024 interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. The legal battle, now in mediation, coincides with Paramount Global’s planned merger with Skydance Media, adding fuel to the fire.

Critics of Trump, including Sen. Bernie Sanders and other Democratic senators, have raised alarms about First Amendment implications, urging Paramount not to settle. Meanwhile, 60 Minutes bagged an Emmy for the contentious Harris interview, further stoking Trump’s ire.

Kimmel didn’t shy away from poking fun at his own network, ABC, or the broader TV industry’s struggles. With Gen Z and millennials flocking to social media over traditional TV, he quipped, “You’ll come crawling back to Disney when you need Moana to hush the kids!” His blend of humor and advocacy underscored a deeper truth: quality journalism needs financial backing to survive.