Trump Criticizes Jimmy Kimmel Over Talent and Ratings
US President Donald Trump has expressed strong disapproval of late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel, suggesting that Kimmel should be removed from the air. This latest critique comes as part of a broader dialogue surrounding entertainment and media in the political arena.
Trump’s Social Media Rant
On Thursday morning, Trump took to Truth Social—a platform he established—to voice his frustrations. In his post, he slammed Kimmel, calling him a “man with NO TALENT and VERY POOR TELEVISION RATINGS.” He questioned the rationale behind ABC’s continued support for Kimmel, stating, “Why do the TV Syndicates put up with it? Also, totally biased coverage. Get the bum off the air!!!”
Kimmel’s Jokes About Trump
Trump’s comments followed Kimmel’s monologue on his show the previous night, where he made light of Trump’s alleged connections to Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender. Kimmel opened his segment humorously by referring to the “path of hurricane Epstein,” drawing a metaphorical link between Epstein’s controversies and the former president.
He quipped, “We are now one step closer to answering the question: what did the president know, and how old were these women when he knew it?” This punchline was part of a routine that included biting commentary on Trump’s meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where Kimmel cheekily referred to it as hosting a “murderer for dinner.”
A Glimpse into Kimmel’s Controversies
Kimmel is no stranger to controversies. Back in September, ABC and its parent company Disney temporarily suspended his show after he speculated about the political views of an alleged assassin targeting conservative activist Charlie Kirk. This suspension followed statements from law enforcement, including Utah’s Republican Governor Spencer Cox, who claimed that the suspect had developed a “leftist ideology” and had become increasingly radicalized.
Trump’s Broader Critique of ABC
Earlier this week, during a press interaction, Trump took further aim at ABC, especially about their reporting standards. When questioned about why he hadn’t released files related to Epstein, he suggested that the network’s broadcast license should be reconsidered. “I think the license should be taken away from ABC because your news is so fake. And it’s so wrong,” he stated.
The Interaction Between Politics and Media
This ongoing back-and-forth between Trump and Kimmel highlights a wider narrative about the intersection of politics and media in contemporary America. Late-night television has become a platform for political commentary, where humor and satire often blur the lines between entertainment and journalism.
Kimmel’s approach embodies this trend, as his jokes not only entertain but also provoke thought and discussion among viewers about current events and political figures. The friction between political leaders and late-night hosts reflects a growing divide in public opinion, where entertainment choices may mirror political affiliations.
In this ever-changing landscape, figures like Trump, Kimmel, and other entertainers continue to shape the discourse—with Trump as a central figure critiquing those he views as opposing him and Kimmel leveraging humor to challenge the status quo. As such, this interaction between the two illustrates how entertainment and politics continue to intertwine in today’s culture.
