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Kimmel: Trump’s Venezuela Move Just a Distraction

1/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Jimmy Kimmel criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for the Venezuela operation, saying it distracts from the Epstein Files.
He likened the move to Wag the Dog, where a president uses foreign conflict to divert attention from scandals.
Kimmel mocked Trump's claim of managing Venezuela, questioning his ability to lead the United States.
He cited Trump's poor performance as host at the Kennedy Center Honors, noting declining popularity.

History

Historical Context

The 1997 film "Wag the Dog," inspired by Larry Beinhart's novel, satirizes media manipulation by depicting a fictional president fabricating a war to distract from a scandal. This narrative echoes real events during President Bill Clinton's administration, particularly the Monica Lewinsky affair, which saw public trust decline by 20%. Such tactics raise concerns about political accountability and the influence of media on public perception.

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Story summary

Jimmy Kimmel criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for the Venezuela operation, saying it distracts from the Epstein Files.
He likened the move to Wag the Dog, where a president uses foreign conflict to divert attention from scandals.
Kimmel mocked Trump's claim of managing Venezuela, questioning his ability to lead the United States.
He cited Trump's poor performance as host at the Kennedy Center Honors, noting declining popularity.

1 / 2