Full Breakdown
Jimmy Kimmel Thanks Donald Trump for Trending Success
12/5/2025, 9:22:11 PM
Kimmel's Monologue Highlights Trump's Influence
On December 4, 2025, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel humorously acknowledged President Donald Trump for his role in making Kimmel the third most trending person on Google for the year. During his monologue on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," Kimmel expressed gratitude, stating, "None of this would ever have happened without the support of loyal viewers like President Trump, who has done so much this year to raise awareness of our show." Kimmel's ranking followed singer D4vd and rapper Kendrick Lamar, who occupied the first and second spots, respectively.
Kimmel's remarks came in the wake of ongoing public criticism from Trump, who has frequently targeted the comedian on social media. Notably, Trump had previously called Kimmel "untalented" and demanded that he be removed from the air. Kimmel responded to Trump's criticisms with sarcasm, suggesting that Trump's attention ironically contributed to his show's success.
Background on Kimmel's Controversies
Kimmel's year was marked by controversy, particularly following comments he made regarding the alleged killer of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. His remarks led to a temporary suspension of his show by ABC in September 2025, a decision that faced backlash from both conservatives and liberals. Critics argued that the suspension was influenced by political pressure, particularly from Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr, who had suggested potential avenues for accountability against ABC.
Despite the suspension, Kimmel returned to the airwaves less than a week later, continuing to deliver pointed commentary on Trump and other political figures. His ability to maintain relevance amid controversy highlights the complex dynamics of late-night television and political discourse.
Trump's Ongoing Criticism
Trump's social media posts have consistently targeted Kimmel, with one recent post made just minutes after Kimmel's show aired. Kimmel noted the timing, quipping, "He watches us live. Hi, Mr. President! Thanks for watching us on TV instead of on YouTube." This interaction underscores the contentious relationship between the comedian and the former president, with Kimmel often using Trump's criticisms as material for his show.
Criticism & Opposition
Kimmel's comments about Trump have drawn ire from conservative circles, particularly following his remarks about the Charlie Kirk case. Critics argue that Kimmel's humor often crosses the line into disrespect, while supporters contend that his satire is a necessary counter to Trump's rhetoric. The ongoing back-and-forth between Kimmel and Trump reflects broader societal divisions regarding political commentary and media influence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I just want to say, none of this would ever have happened without the support of loyal viewers like President Trump, who has done so much this year to raise awareness of our show.” — Jimmy Kimmel, Host of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"
- “ He added, “Why does ABC Fake News keep Jimmy Kimmel, a man with NO TALENT and VERY POOR TELEVISION RATINGS, on the air?” — Donald Trump, Former President
Kimmel's acknowledgment of Trump's influence on his trending status illustrates the intricate relationship between entertainment and politics, where humor often serves as a lens through which societal issues are examined.
