Jimmy Kimmel has fired back at former U.S. President Donald Trump after the latter made comments about Kimmel’s hosting abilities at the Kennedy Center Honors. Trump, 79, had remarked that if he couldn’t outshine Kimmel in terms of talent, he might as well not be president.
Kimmel, 58, responded during his Monday night monologue, humorously remarking, “I think I’ve never agreed with anything more than that. Does he even know that I’ve never hosted the Kennedy Center Honors? Maybe he’s confusing me with Queen Latifah.”
He continued by poking fun at Trump’s challenge of his talent, saying, “If he’s suggesting a talent contest, I’m all in. Let’s do it. I’ll come on, tell a few jokes, draw something, play my clarinet. He can play golf, spank a porn star, and ruin a country.”
Kimmel jokingly added that Trump’s comments had “really hurt” him. “I thought we were friends. Now I’m starting to think he might have a crush on me,” Kimmel quipped, continuing to laugh off Trump’s remarks.
In a surprise twist at the end of his monologue, Kimmel revealed that his contract for Jimmy Kimmel Live! had been extended for another year, acknowledging that this news might not sit well with Trump.
“I don’t want to upset you during this sensitive time, but I have one more piece of entertainment news to share. I’ve decided to extend my contract here at ABC for another year,” Kimmel joked, adding, “The show will stay on the air until May 2027… or until the world ends, whichever comes first.”
Kimmel humorously explained his decision to stay longer: “I gave it a lot of thought and decided I’d like to spend less time with my family,” he said. “To everyone watching, whether you’re in bed at night or on the toilet in the morning, I’m honored to be part of your routine. It means a lot to have your attention.”
Previously, Kimmel’s future had seemed uncertain, as his ABC contract was set to expire in May 2024. However, the new extension ensures Jimmy Kimmel Live! will air through at least 2027.
He later shared the announcement on Instagram, writing, “I’m pleased to announce another no-talent year!”
Kimmel’s extension came after some drama earlier this year when ABC had temporarily suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! due to comments Kimmel made following the death of right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk, who was shot at a Turning Point USA rally in September. The suspension was quickly lifted after public backlash, and Kimmel returned to the show with a surge in ratings.
Despite Trump’s repeated calls for Kimmel’s removal, including a post on Truth Social demanding that ABC “get the bum off the air,” Kimmel didn’t hold back in his critique of the former president. In a monologue about the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files, Kimmel 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?”
Trump, in response, took to Truth Social once again, disparaging Kimmel’s talent and television ratings, calling him a “man with NO TALENT and VERY POOR TELEVISION RATINGS.” He further criticized Kimmel’s comments as “totally biased.”
Despite the ongoing back-and-forth, Kimmel’s contract extension ensures that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will remain a staple on ABC’s late-night lineup for years to come.
