In a notable clash of personalities, former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to lambast Jimmy Kimmel, labeling the long-standing late-night host a "loser" and suggesting that ABC could find a more talented and cost-effective replacement. Trump's outburst comes amidst discussions of Kimmel's potential departure from his eponymous show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", as the host contemplates retirement following a successful two-decade stint.
In an interview with The Los Angeles Times, Kimmel hinted at hanging up his late-night shoes, stating, "I think this is my final contract. I hate to even say it because everyone's laughing at me now - each time I think that, and then it turns out not to be the case." The possibility of Kimmel's exit seems to have struck a chord with Trump, who has been a frequent target of Kimmel's comedic monologues.
Responding to Trump's critique, Kimmel leveraged his platform to address the former president's comments with his trademark humor, "I got to say that is a hell of a way to find out you're not going be somebody's running mate!" Kimmel quipped, further mocking Trump's potential future, "He has no idea how delighted I am by something like this. I'm going to try to enjoy it because he probably won't be able to do this when they take away his phone in prison, so I'm going to really, like, soak it in."
Kimmel's potential retirement has been a recurring topic, with the host expressing uncertainty about his future in the late-night circuit. Despite this, Kimmel's tenure has been marked by pointed political commentary, often at the expense of political figures like Trump. This has led to several public exchanges between the two, with Trump previously attacking Kimmel and other late-night hosts on social media for their declining ratings and perceived lack of talent.
As Kimmel readies to host the Academy Awards for the fourth time, his position as the longest-serving current late-night host in the U.S. underscores his enduring appeal and influence. The ongoing tiff with Trump highlights the intersection of entertainment and politics, where late-night comedy often serves as a barometer for public sentiment and a platform for political discourse.
The spat between Trump and Kimmel is emblematic of the broader tensions between political figures and media personalities, where the lines between entertainment and political commentary continue to blur. As Kimmel contemplates his next steps, his legacy as a pivotal late-night voice remains undisputed, with his potential departure marking the end of an era in late-night television.
