The already fraught relationship between late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and former President Donald Trump took another turn this week, escalating from pointed jokes to accusations and, seemingly, a renewed cycle of public animosity. The latest exchange stems from a social media post shared by Trump that Kimmel deemed “vile,” depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes.
Kimmel, on his Monday night broadcast, didn’t hold back, stating, “It’s just hard to believe he’s the president.” Trump’s response, however, wasn’t an apology. Instead, he boasted about his perceived success with Black voters, a claim that drew further criticism. The post was eventually removed, but not before capturing widespread attention and sparking outrage. The incident then took an unexpected turn when Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) publicly thanked Trump for removing the post, a move Kimmel lampooned as “triple Olympic-level brown-nosing.”
This isn’t an isolated incident. Kimmel has been a consistent and vocal critic of Trump for years, with a particularly intense period of commentary over the past year. According to reports from September 2025, Kimmel dedicated roughly 90 minutes of monologue time over nine episodes to criticizing Trump, his policies, and his supporters. This sustained barrage of criticism ultimately led to ABC temporarily pulling Kimmel off the air after he made controversial comments regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk and aired footage of anti-Israel protests.
The September 2025 incident involved Kimmel airing cell phone footage from anti-Israel demonstrators shortly after Kirk was shot, and making claims about Trump’s financial dealings. He referred to Trump as a “34-time convicted felon” and alleged he had “grifted $3 billion” since winning the election. These statements, particularly the timing of the protest footage, proved to be a breaking point for ABC, resulting in his temporary removal from the air.
The current flare-up, however, appears to be rooted in Trump’s recent social media activity and the subsequent reaction from public figures like Kimmel. The initial post, depicting the Obamas in a racist manner, is part of a pattern of controversial statements and imagery associated with Trump, which have consistently drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum. Kimmel’s response, while sharp, is consistent with his established pattern of criticizing the former president.
The reaction from Senator Cassidy is particularly noteworthy. His public expression of gratitude to Trump for removing the offensive post suggests a willingness to align with the former president, even in the face of widespread disapproval. Kimmel’s characterization of Cassidy’s statement as “brown-nosing” highlights the perceived political calculations at play.
Kimmel’s criticism extends beyond Trump’s actions to his rhetoric. In a separate monologue from , Kimmel described a recent interview with Trump as a “bacon double dementia burger with cheese,” suggesting a decline in the former president’s mental acuity. He also took issue with Trump’s comments regarding the deaths of two Americans shot by federal immigration officers, accusing Trump of being insensitive and inappropriate.
The dynamic between Kimmel and Trump is complex, marked by years of personal attacks and political disagreements. Kimmel’s consistent criticism has made him a target for Trump and his supporters, while Trump’s actions continue to provide Kimmel with ample material for his monologues. This ongoing feud reflects the deep divisions within American society and the increasingly polarized nature of political discourse.
The situation also raises questions about the role of late-night comedy in the current political climate. Kimmel, like other late-night hosts, has increasingly used his platform to express political opinions and critique public figures. While this approach has resonated with some viewers, it has also drawn criticism from those who believe that comedy should be apolitical. The temporary removal of Kimmel from ABC underscores the potential consequences of crossing certain lines, even for established entertainers.
Trump, for his part, has consistently used social media and public appearances to attack his critics, including Kimmel. His refusal to apologize for the offensive post and his boastful claims about his support among Black voters demonstrate a pattern of defiance and disregard for public opinion. This behavior, while controversial, has proven to be effective in mobilizing his base and maintaining his relevance in the political arena.
The latest exchange between Kimmel and Trump is likely to fuel further debate and division. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions between the entertainment industry and the political world, and the challenges of navigating those tensions in an increasingly polarized society. The incident highlights the power of social media to amplify controversy and the enduring appeal of political satire, even in the face of criticism and backlash.
