Jimmy Kimmel is a total tool and Trump reminded him of it.
President Donald Trump delivered another decisive blow to late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel on Saturday, using a nationally watched moment at the White House to highlight what many Americans already believe: late-night television has lost its talent, its humor, and its credibility.
Speaking from the Oval Office before hosting this year’s Kennedy Center Honors gala, Trump told reporters the media would predictably twist the event — but he wasn’t concerned.
“They’ll say I was horrible,” Trump said. “But I’ve watched some of the people who host these shows. Jimmy Kimmel was horrible. If I can’t outperform Jimmy Kimmel, then I shouldn’t be president.”
For millions of conservative Americans frustrated with Hollywood’s political bias, Trump’s remarks hit the bullseye.
Kimmel’s Controversies Keep Growing
Kimmel’s declining reputation hasn’t helped him. Earlier this year, ABC temporarily suspended his show after he suggested — without evidence — that the suspect accused of killing Charlie Kirk was connected to the MAGA movement.
Kimmel later claimed he was “misinterpreted,” but the damage was already done.
Among older viewers, especially conservatives, Kimmel’s brand is now synonymous with political cheap shots instead of comedy.
Trump Presides Over a Record-Breaking Kennedy Center Honors
While Kimmel’s star continues to dim, Trump’s influence at America’s cultural institutions appears stronger than ever.
The Kennedy Center announced the 48th annual Honors brought in a record-setting $23 million, the highest fundraising total in the program’s history.
This year’s honorees include beloved American figures:
- Sylvester Stallone
- Gloria Gaynor
- KISS
In a historic first, Trump hosted an official, on-camera Oval Office ceremony, personally introducing each honoree — something no previous president had done at this level.
Kimmel Keeps Mocking — But Trump Keeps Winning
Kimmel, who has never hosted the Kennedy Center Honors, used his latest monologue to mock Trump for making him trend on Google.
“None of this would’ve ever happened without President Trump,” Kimmel joked, claiming Trump boosted his search traffic.
He sarcastically thanked the president for helping him rank third behind two musicians.
But the irony isn’t lost on viewers: while Kimmel depends on Trump for ratings, Trump’s supporters see his constant jabs as proof Hollywood is out of fresh ideas.
Trump, meanwhile, has repeatedly said Kimmel is “untalented” and suggested ABC should reconsider keeping him on the air — a sentiment that resonates strongly with conservative audiences fed up with late-night political attacks disguised as comedy.
Bottom Line
Trump’s latest swipe at Jimmy Kimmel wasn’t just another comment — it was a reminder that the former president still sets the national conversation, while late-night hosts rely on him for relevance.
Kimmel may crack the jokes, but Trump continues to own the moment.