Inside Trump's Head Real Reason ABC Bowed to Trump on Kimmel: Wolff
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Sep 19, 2025 
Michael Wolff, an insightful author and journalist specializing in Trump and political media, shares captivating tales alongside Joanna Coles. They delve into Trump's escalating conflicts with the media, particularly with Jimmy Kimmel and ABC's silent acquiescence. Wolff recounts a surreal ice cream encounter with Trump and discusses the implications of MAGA's loyalty amid ongoing scandals. They investigate the shifting landscape of power and Trump's grip on culture, questioning whether his influence is fraying or evolving.
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Early Ice Cream Night With Trump
- Michael Wolff recounts first meeting Trump in Jimmy Kimmel's green room and later repairing Trump's Beverly Hills house while sharing Haagen-Dazs ice cream.
- The story illustrates Trump's early jocular celebrity phase before he became defensive and combative.
Media Crackdown Is Now Overt
- Wolff argues the administration openly aims to crack down on 'leftist speech' and the media rather than hide the intent.
- He links FCC pressure and affiliate leverage to ABC's rapid decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel's show.
Corporate Deals Drive Editorial Choices
- Wolff describes how affiliate station pressure tied to mergers forced ABC/Disney's swift capitulation over Kimmel.
- He frames CEO Bob Iger's decision as cowering to political pressure to protect corporate deals.