Full Breakdown
Jimmy Kimmel's Popularity Surges Amid Controversy with Donald Trump
10/9/2025, 12:06:14 PM
Kimmel's Favorability Over Trump
On October 7, 2025, Jimmy Kimmel humorously announced on his late-night show that he had a 16-point lead in favorability over President Donald Trump, according to a YouGov poll. The survey indicated that Kimmel had a net favorability score of +3, with 44% of respondents viewing him positively, while Trump had a net score of -13, with 41% favorable and 54% unfavorable opinions. Kimmel's playful remarks included quips about Trump's low ratings, suggesting that even "finding a toenail in your salad" had a better approval rating than the president.
Context of Kimmel's Suspension and Return
Kimmel's recent surge in popularity follows a brief suspension of his show due to comments he made regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. ABC initially pulled "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" off the air for what it described as "ill-timed" remarks. However, after just six days and significant public backlash, the network reinstated Kimmel, who returned to record viewership numbers, attracting 6.3 million viewers for his comeback episode. During this episode, Kimmel expressed his intentions regarding the controversial comments, stating, "It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man."
Official Responses and Public Reactions
Following Kimmel's suspension, former Vice President Kamala Harris commented on the situation, emphasizing the power of consumer activism in influencing corporate decisions. She noted that the swift return of Kimmel's show demonstrated how public opinion can effect change. The White House, however, responded to the poll results with a statement from spokesperson Anna Kelly, highlighting Trump's electoral support and criticizing Kimmel's ratings drop.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite Kimmel's popularity, some critics argue that his return to the airwaves has not significantly improved his ratings. Reports indicate that Kimmel's show has lost 85% of its viewers in the advertiser-coveted demographic since his return, averaging just 265,000 viewers among adults aged 25-54. Critics, including representatives from Turning Point USA, suggest that Kimmel would have benefited from a complete cancellation, which could have positioned him as a "martyr" against perceived political oppression.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They pulled more than 1000 people, and I lead Trump by 16 points.” — Jimmy Kimmel, Late-Night Host
- “I do want to make something clear, because it’s important to me as a human, and that is you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,” — Jimmy Kimmel, addressing his controversial comments
- “The people spoke with their pocket books and decisions changed quickly.” — Kamala Harris, Former Vice President
- “Over 77 million Americans showed up on Election Day to cast their ballots for President Donald J.” — Anna Kelly, White House Spokesperson
What's Next for Kimmel and Trump
As Kimmel continues to navigate the fallout from his comments and the subsequent suspension, the dynamics between him and Trump remain tense. Kimmel has expressed a willingness to host Trump on his show, despite their frequent clashes. Meanwhile, Trump has not publicly commented on the recent poll results that place Kimmel ahead in popularity, although he has previously celebrated Kimmel's suspension. The ongoing interplay between Kimmel's comedic critiques and Trump's political maneuvers is likely to remain a focal point in the late-night landscape.
