Full Breakdown
Kimmel and Trump Spar Over Fundraising Email
2/25/2026, 12:27:31 AM
The Exchange of Jabs
Jimmy Kimmel returned to his late-night show, *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, on February 23, 2026, after a week-long break, immediately addressing a fundraising email sent by President Donald Trump that targeted him directly. In the email, Trump labeled Kimmel a “ratings-starved hack” and accused him of mocking Trump and his supporters. The email was part of Trump’s “MAGA Blitz” campaign, urging supporters to demonstrate their loyalty by donating. Kimmel responded during his monologue, humorously questioning why a sitting president in his second term would need to fundraise, suggesting it might be to cover legal costs from recent court rulings against his tariffs.
Key Details of the Fundraising Email
The email from Trump included a subject line reading “Get Trump out of your mouth!” and described Kimmel as someone who thrives on Trump’s notoriety for his career. Trump’s message aimed to rally his supporters against Kimmel, stating, “The poor guy just LOVES to have my name in his mouth because he knows that without Trump, HE’D HAVE NO CAREER AT ALL.” Kimmel read portions of the email aloud, responding with quips that highlighted the absurdity of Trump’s claims and the tone of the email.
Kimmel's Response and Humor
Kimmel’s reaction was characterized by humor and sarcasm. He noted, “I was in my house doing nothing!” and questioned the rationale behind Trump’s fundraising efforts, stating, “Maybe he needs it to pay all the big beautiful tariffs he has to give back now?” He also referenced a recent Supreme Court ruling that deemed Trump’s tariffs unconstitutional, calling it “Donald Trump’s most humiliating legal defeat yet.” Kimmel’s audience responded enthusiastically to his jabs, which included a promise to air a special episode to critique Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address.
The Broader Context of Their Feud
This exchange is part of a long-standing rivalry between Kimmel and Trump, where Kimmel has frequently criticized Trump’s policies and actions. Trump, in turn, has often targeted late-night hosts, claiming they are biased against him. The email and Kimmel’s subsequent response reflect this ongoing dynamic, with Trump attempting to frame the situation as a cultural battle against Hollywood elites.
Official Statements & Responses
Kimmel’s monologue served as a direct rebuttal to Trump’s email, emphasizing the absurdity of the president’s claims and the fundraising strategy. Kimmel’s commentary included a mix of humor and critique, showcasing his perspective on the political landscape and Trump’s behavior.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was in my house doing nothing!” — Jimmy Kimmel, Host of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*
- “Why is the president in his second term even sending fundraising emails?” — Jimmy Kimmel
- “‘The poor guy just loves to have my name in his mouth because he knows that without Trump, he’d have no career at all.’” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
- “This was Donald Trump’s most humiliating legal defeat yet,” — Jimmy Kimmel
This ongoing exchange between Kimmel and Trump highlights the intersection of politics and entertainment, illustrating how public figures engage in a continuous dialogue that resonates with their respective audiences.
