Trump‘s Preemptive Attack on Jimmy Kimmel Fuels Ratings Boost and Intensifies Long-Running Feud
LOS ANGELES, CA – Former President Donald Trump’s escalating public grievance against late-night host Jimmy Kimmel backfired spectacularly this week, generating significant attention for Kimmel’s return to television and providing the comedian with ample material for a pointed monologue.Trump’s preemptive attacks, including threats of legal action, occurred before Kimmel even took the stage, ultimately amplifying the reach of the show and reigniting a years-long rivalry.
The conflict began when Trump, on his social media platform, lashed out at Kimmel ahead of the host’s return from a hiatus, referencing past jokes about Jeffrey Epstein. “I think we’re going to test ABC out on this … Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars,” Trump posted, alluding to a previous settlement with ABC News. This outburst effectively handed Kimmel a wealth of comedic fodder before his show even began.
Upon his return, Kimmel dedicated a considerable 28-minute monologue to addressing Trump’s attacks. He skillfully turned the situation to his advantage, quipping, “You almost have to feel sorry for him. He tried his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show.” Kimmel also joked, “He might have to release the Epstein files to distract us from this,” referencing the ongoing controversy surrounding Trump and Epstein.
Beyond the humor, Kimmel adopted a more serious tone, stating, “Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he can’t take a joke.” He added,”We have to speak out against this stuff because he’s not stopping,and it’s not just comedy.”
This latest exchange is part of a continuing pattern. Earlier this summer, after Stephen Colbert’s show was canceled, trump predicted Kimmel would be “NEXT.” Kimmel responded on Instagram, referencing an alleged letter from Epstein to Trump, writing, “I’m hearing you’re next. Or maybe it’s just another splendid secret.”
The incident underscores the established dynamic between the two figures: Trump’s tendency to react strongly to criticism, often with preemptive attacks, and Kimmel’s ability to leverage those reactions for both comedic effect and a broader commentary on the political climate. The episode demonstrates how Trump’s attempts to silence his critics frequently result in increased visibility for those very voices.
