Jimmy Kimmel and Trump Exchange Barbs Over Ratings and Talent

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and former President Donald Trump engaged in a public exchange of jabs following Trump’s recent comments about Kimmel’s television presence and ratings. During an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, Kimmel responded to Trump’s criticisms, quipping, “I’ll go when you go,” highlighting the ongoing tension between the two.

The back-and-forth began when Trump took to his Truth Social platform on October 5, 2023, to question why ABC continues to air Kimmel’s show, labeling him “a man with no talent and very poor television ratings.” Trump also alleged biased coverage on Kimmel’s part and suggested that the network should “get the bum off the air.” Kimmel, known for his comedic commentary on political issues, seized the opportunity to poke fun at Trump’s own low approval ratings, stating, “if anyone knows about bad ratings – it’s that guy!”

Kimmel noted that Trump’s post came shortly after the end of his show’s East Coast airing, humorously thanking the former president for watching. He said, “It’s viewers like you who keep us on the air, ironically.” This playful jab came amidst what Kimmel described as “the biggest sex scandal in the history of the American presidency,” in reference to the ongoing fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein documents.

The tension between the two is not new. In September 2023, Kimmel faced a brief suspension from ABC following comments he made regarding right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk. Trump publicly celebrated Kimmel’s suspension, commending ABC for its actions. However, Kimmel returned to air within a week, joined by fellow late-night hosts such as Stephen Colbert and Seth Meyers, who welcomed him back.

During his recent show, Kimmel also addressed his earlier suspension, saying, “You tried to get me fired in September. It didn’t work.” He expressed admiration for Trump’s “tenacity” before delivering another playful remark: “I’ll go when you go.” Kimmel’s humor continued as he referenced Trump’s recent outburst directed at a Bloomberg reporter, suggesting they could “ride off into the sunset together – like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”

In a separate incident, Trump had reprimanded a journalist aboard Air Force One, telling him to “quiet, piggy,” which Kimmel referenced in his comedic routine. Kimmel further criticized Trump, labeling him “an explosively unstable disaster” for America, particularly in light of his absence from key events, such as Dick Cheney‘s memorial.

As the exchanges continue, both Kimmel and Trump remain prominent figures in their respective arenas, with Kimmel using humor to critique political figures and Trump making headlines with his social media presence. This ongoing rivalry illustrates the intersection of entertainment and politics, captivating audiences on both sides.