A late-night joke spiraled into a presidential attack, again.
Here’s what happened
Read this if you follow media-politics clashes, free speech battles, or Trump’s war with late-night TV.
What Just Happened
After Jimmy Kimmel mocked Trump’s poll numbers and Epstein ties, Trump erupted on Truth Social.
He called Kimmel talentless with “VERY POOR RATINGS” and demanded ABC remove him from TV.
Trump also asked why TV syndicates “put up with it.”
Kimmel had mocked Trump’s gala with MBS, calling it “an alumni dinner for the Legion of Doom.”
The clash follows years of Trump-Kimmel hostility, including lawsuits, threats, and temporary show cancellations.
What Kimmel Said
Kimmel roasted Trump for hosting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whom he called a murderer.
He recapped reporting that Epstein and MBS were once close.
He displayed a poll showing Trump at 38% approval.
He mocked Trump’s previous celebration that Kimmel’s show got “cancelled” over the Charlie Kirk incident.
Kimmel framed Trump as obsessed with running comedians off the air.
Trump’s Response
He demanded ABC pull Kimmel immediately.
He framed Kimmel as a Democrat propagandist giving “illegal campaign contributions.”
Trump implied he may sue ABC again, saying last time they paid him $16M.
Called Kimmel a “bum,” “loser,” and “no talent.”
Suggested ABC is endangering itself by airing “99% Democrat GARBAGE.”
The Comedy-Politics Pattern
Late-night shows have become political battlegrounds, with Trump as recurring content.
Kimmel, Colbert, and others built audience loyalty off anti-Trump monologues.
Trump frequently uses legal threats or FCC pressure (even when symbolic) to counter critical comedians.
ABC keeps Kimmel because he performs well in key demos, despite Trump’s attacks.
The feud reliably spikes ratings and online engagement for both sides.
The Bottom Line
Kimmel mocked Trump.
Trump demanded his removal.
Same script, new episode, except now Trump is president again, adding weight to his attacks on media companies.
Transparency notes
Published: Nov 20, 2025. Last updated: Nov 20, 2025.
Spot an error or missing context? Email hi@kindjoe.com and we will review and correct if needed.
Sources
External source links were not provided in this article body. Our editors reference publicly available materials and update stories as new verified information arrives.
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