UPDATE: President Donald Trump has reignited his ongoing feud with late-night host Jimmy Kimmel during the Kennedy Center Honors event on December 7, 2023. While hosting the prestigious ceremony, Trump made headlines with his sharp criticism of Kimmel, turning the spotlight on his long-standing rivalry with the comedian.
In a striking moment, Trump declared, “We have never had a president hosting the awards before. This is the first,” adding a sarcastic nod to potential reviews of his performance. “I’m sure they’ll say he was horrible. He was terrible.” This statement set the tone for a night filled with Trump’s signature bravado.
The president did not hold back, stating, “Jimmy Kimmel was horrible, and some of these people,” as he compared himself to previous hosts. “If I can’t beat out Jimmy Kimmel in terms of talent, then I don’t think I should be president.” His remarks come amid a backdrop of ongoing tensions between him and Kimmel, who has been a vocal critic of Trump.
Earlier this year, Trump had taken to his social media platform, Truth Social, to voice his disapproval of Kimmel’s show after it was briefly taken off the air. “Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED,” he wrote in September, celebrating the show’s cancellation and critiquing Kimmel’s talent and ratings.
“Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible,” Trump stated, also targeting other late-night hosts like Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon. “Their ratings are also horrible,” he added, calling for action from NBC.
Trump’s comments reflect a broader narrative where he positions himself against mainstream media and entertainment figures, often framing them as adversaries. His attacks on Kimmel have been relentless, suggesting that the comedian’s success is undeserved and politically motivated.
In November, Trump escalated his criticism of Meyers, branding him “the least talented person to ‘perform’ live in the history of television.” This persistent focus on late-night hosts underscores Trump’s strategy of engaging his base by criticizing figures in popular culture who oppose him.
As the political landscape evolves, Trump’s remarks at the Kennedy Center Honors are likely to resonate with his supporters while igniting further discussions about the intersection of politics and entertainment. The president’s harsh words could potentially impact Kimmel’s viewership, intensifying the rivalry between the two.
With the 2024 presidential campaign approaching, these verbal skirmishes may become more frequent as Trump seeks to galvanize his supporters. Observers are now watching closely to see if Kimmel will respond and how this feud will develop in the coming weeks.
This unfolding drama at an iconic event highlights the blurred lines between politics and popular culture, making it a hot topic for both fans and critics alike.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
