Kimmel and Trump Engage in Public Feud Over Talent and Late-Night Dominance
A war of words has erupted between late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and former U.S. President Donald Trump, escalating after Trump vowed to improve his hosting skills at the Kennedy Center Honors. The exchange highlights the ongoing tension between the comedian and the former president, marked by personal jabs and challenges to each other’s abilities.
Trump, 79, reportedly told reporters in the Oval Office ahead of Sunday’s event that “If I can’t beat out Jimmy Kimmel in terms of talent, then I don’t think I should be president.” This statement prompted a swift response from Kimmel during his Monday monologue.
Kimmel, 58, addressed Trump’s claim with characteristic wit, questioning whether the former president was even aware he had never hosted the Kennedy Center Honors. “Do you think he even knows I’ve never hosted the Kennedy Center Honors? Maybe he’s confusing me with Queen Latifah?” he quipped to his audience.
The comedian then embraced the challenge, openly inviting Trump to a “talent competition.” “As far as this whole ‘who has more talent’ thing goes, it seems like he’s challenging me to a contest? If so, I’m open to it. Let’s do it. Let’s have a talent competition,” Kimmel declared. He outlined potential acts, offering to tell jokes, draw, and play the clarinet, while suggesting Trump could showcase his golf skills, “spank a porn star and ruin a country.”
Kimmel continued to express mock hurt over Trump’s comments, playfully suggesting a possible romantic interest. “I thought we were friends. I don’t know what’s going on. He is really fixated. I’m starting to think he might have a crush on me,” he joked.
Adding another layer to the situation, Kimmel announced a contract extension for Jimmy Kimmel Live! during the same monologue, acknowledging that Trump would likely disapprove. “The last thing I want to do is upset you during this sensitive time,” Kimmel said, directly addressing the former president. “But I have one more bit of entertainment news to share, and that is that I have decided to extend my contract here at ABC for another year.”
The show will remain on the air until at least May 2027, or “until the world ends, whichever comes first,” Kimmel quipped. He further joked that the decision meant he would have “less time with my family.” The host shared the news on Instagram, writing, “I am pleased to announce another no-talent year!”
This latest exchange follows a period of heightened tension between the two figures. In September, ABC briefly suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! following remarks made after the death of a right-wing political commentator. The suspension was lifted after a public outcry, and Kimmel’s return to air saw a surge in ratings. Trump responded by calling for the network to “get the bum off the air” in a social media post, following Kimmel’s extensive coverage of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
In a recent monologue, Kimmel referenced the release of documents related to the late Jeffrey Epstein, stating, “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?” Trump subsequently posted on Truth Social demanding that Jimmy Kimmel Live! be taken off the air again, questioning the host’s talent and ratings and criticizing ABC’s decision to keep him on air. Trump labeled Kimmel’s comments as “totally biased.”
The ongoing feud underscores the enduring impact of late-night comedy on the political landscape and the continued animosity between Kimmel and Trump.
