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Kimmel Fires Back at Trump: A Ratings Rivalry Continues

2/24/2026

37 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On February 23, 2026, Jimmy Kimmel returned to his show and addressed an email from U.S. President Donald Trump labeling him a "ratings-starved hack."
He questioned why a sitting president would send such emails in his second term, joking it could cover legal fees from Supreme Court rulings against tariffs.
Kimmel announced a special episode to critique Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address, underscoring their ongoing rivalry.

History

Historical Context

In 2016, President Barack Obama criticized media figures like Sean Hannity for spreading misinformation, reflecting ongoing tensions between political leaders and the press. This dynamic intensified under President Donald Trump, who labeled the media as the "enemy of the people" and faced backlash for his confrontational approach. These events underscore the evolving role of media in shaping political narratives and public discourse.

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Story summary

On February 23, 2026, Jimmy Kimmel returned to his show and addressed an email from U.S. President Donald Trump labeling him a "ratings-starved hack."
He questioned why a sitting president would send such emails in his second term, joking it could cover legal fees from Supreme Court rulings against tariffs.
Kimmel announced a special episode to critique Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address, underscoring their ongoing rivalry.

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