Jimmy Kimmel’s Late-Night Satire Targets Donald Trump’s Declining Approval and Controversial Plans

Jimmy Kimmel used his Monday monologue to lampoon President Donald Trump’s slipping approval rating, his “crumbling anniversary concert” and a string of self-promoted projects. Kimmel reminded viewers that the 2026 midterms are approaching and highlighted a new poll showing a surge in voter certainty. He framed Trump’s recent actions—ranging from a proposed $250 bill to a “Great American State Fair” slated for July 4—as evidence of a chaotic presidency that “everything they do they screw up, they cannot do anything.”

The Guardian

A poll released the same week indicated that 57 % of Americans say they will definitely vote, up from an average of 40 %. The same survey placed Trump’s approval at 34 %, two points behind Ohio Senator JD Vance, who sits at 36 %. The data underscores heightened electoral engagement as the midterm elections draw near.

The Guardian

• Donald Trump – Incumbent president, pursuing a $250-bill portrait, a pardon list of 250 individuals, and a “one-out-of-13-countries” bombing threat.

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• Jimmy Kimmel – Host of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, delivering the satirical commentary.

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• JD Vance – Ohio senator whose approval marginally exceeds Trump’s in the poll.

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• E. Jean Carroll – Author of a sexual-assault lawsuit against Trump; the Justice Department opened a criminal investigation following Trump’s recent remarks.

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• Milli Vanilli – Musical act that declined participation in the Great American State Fair, stating they were never invited.

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• Voter certainty: 57 % definitely will vote (up from 40 %).

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• Presidential approval: 34 % for Trump, 36 % for JD Vance.

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• Threatened nations: Kimmel calculated that Trump has threatened “one out of every 13 countries” worldwide.

The Guardian

President Trump asserted that his policies have “done more for everyone than anyone,” a claim aired in a montage clip during Kimmel’s show. He announced legislation to place his likeness on a $250 bill, noting that current law restricts currency portraits to deceased individuals. Trump also signaled an intention to pardon 250 people, describing the move as “something the Joker would do.” In recent remarks, he threatened military action against a proportion of foreign states, prompting Kimmel’s calculation of the “one-out-of-13” figure. The Justice Department subsequently launched a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll after Trump’s comments about the case.

The Guardian

Kimmel’s monologue framed Trump’s initiatives as misguided and financially wasteful, emphasizing the use of taxpayer dollars for what he called the president’s “nonstop multi-victim retribution tour.” He portrayed the president’s projects as a series of “new projects with him as the focus,” suggesting a pattern of self-promotion over governance.

The Guardian

• “You’ve done enough, let’s get someone else to take over now,” — Jimmy Kimmel, Host of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*

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• “It’s comforting to know that our hard-earned tax dollars are going to fund the president’s nonstop multi-victim retribution tour,” — Jimmy Kimmel, Host of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*

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• “Every day it’s a new project with him as the focus,” — Jimmy Kimmel, Host of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*

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• “The only person who’s ever threatened more is Godzilla,” — Jimmy Kimmel, Host of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*

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• “Why is every person in this government the craziest neighbor you ever had on the block?” — Jimmy Kimmel, Host of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*

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The poll’s methodology and the specific list of countries threatened by Trump were not disclosed, leaving uncertainty about the precise scope of the “one-out-of-13” claim.

The Guardian

With midterm elections looming, Trump’s legislative push for a $250 bill and his pardon plan are expected to surface in congressional debate. The Great American State Fair is scheduled for July 4, though its lineup remains unsettled after multiple acts withdrew. The Justice Department’s investigation into E. Jean Carroll may also shape public discourse ahead of the vote.

The Guardian