Embattled late-night host Jimmy Kimmel used a recent appearance on Michelle Obamas podcast to escalate his attacks on supporters of President Donald Trump, doubling down on the partisan rhetoric that has increasingly defined his ABC program.
According to Breitbart, Kimmel appeared on The Light Podcast with Michelle Obama and her brother, Craig Robinson, where he lashed out at viewers who have criticized his relentless anti-Trump monologues and questioned whether he is still doing the basic job of a late-night entertainer. The comedian, whose show once relied on broad, apolitical humor, has instead embraced a role as a left-wing commentator, and he made clear he has no intention of backing away from that posture.
Kimmel insisted that in President Trumps second administration, political commentary is not merely an option but an obligation for someone in his position. He told Obama and Robinson that he believes talking about politics is unavoidable and that he would be embarrassed if he chose to steer clear of the subject.
It just seems obvious and unavoidable. I just cant imagine on those nights talking about anything other than what we are talking about, Kimmel said. I think it would be embarrassing if we didnt talk about this. It would be shameful. I love telling jokes. I love being funny. I love when the audience laughs. Theres nothing thats more exciting to me than that. His comments underscored a broader trend in late-night television, where hosts increasingly prioritize ideological messaging over inclusive comedy that appeals across the political spectrum.
The ABC host also bristled at criticism from Trump supporters who argue that his fixation on politics has undermined his core responsibilities as an entertainer. He warned MAGA viewers to stop telling him what his job is supposed to be and made clear he answers only to himself and his corporate bosses.
To say that, well your job is this, it makes me I bristle at that, Kimmel explained. Because, first of all, dont tell me what my job is. I dont tell you what your job is. My job is whatever I decide my job is, whatever my employer allows me to do. Thats what my job is. For many conservatives, that attitude encapsulates the arrogance of Hollywood elites who disdain the very audiences they once sought to entertain.
Kimmel went further, accusing those who say he is too obsessed with attacking President Trump of being ignorant of American comedy history. He invoked legendary comics to justify his approach, suggesting that his brand of partisan ridicule is part of a long tradition.
Comedians have been doing this for a long time. You know, from my generation, George Carlin, Richard Pryor. It just shows a great deal of ignorance when it comes to comedy to say, well, Johnny Carson didnt do this, he said. Well, first of all, were living in a different time. And secondly, how do you know Johnny Carson wouldnt do it? I bet Johnny Carson would talk about it. I bet Johnny Carson would be absolutely mortified by whats going on. Many on the right would counter that Carsons enduring appeal came precisely from his restraint and his refusal to turn his platform into a partisan pulpit.
The late-night host also took aim at the faith of Trump supporters, accusing MAGA voters of betraying Christian principles. The cardinal rule of MAGA is to never admit when you are wrong. First of all, its the opposite of Christianity. I mean, its the basis of the whole faith you know, is asking for forgiveness. And that seems to be cast aside. For believers who support President Trump, such sweeping moral judgments from a Hollywood comedian are likely to be seen as both insulting and hypocritical.
That charge of hypocrisy is sharpened by Kimmels silence on scandals involving Democrats he has promoted. This is the same Jimmy Kimmel who has refused to address the alleged sexual misconduct of now former Democrat Rep. Eric Swalwell, whom Kimmel once welcomed on his show to boost Swalwells now-suspended campaign for governor of California. While Kimmel reserves his moral outrage for conservative Christians and Trump voters, his reluctance to confront misconduct on the left speaks volumes about the partisan double standard that now dominates late-night television.
Login