Although late-night talk show hosts in general have often been harshly critical of former President Donald Trump, perhaps none has expressed more unadulterated hostility than the host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
In addition to hosting the long-running ABC program, Kimmel has also been a regular host of the Academy Awards, a role he revised during Sunday night’s ceremony.
Shortly after the program began, Trump weighed in with a social media post denouncing its “washed up” host and calling on ABC to choose someone else for the gig.
Donald trump broke Kimmel and Jimmy took the bait. Epic blunder. #JimmyKimmel #Kimmel #Trump pic.twitter.com/JRuABzm7Mt
— Bill Ellmore 𝕏 (@BillEllmore) March 11, 2024
“Has there EVER been a WORSE HOST than Jimmy Kimmel at The Oscars,” the former president wrote. “His opening was that of a less than average person trying too hard to be something which he is not, and never can be.”
As for Kimmel’s recommended replacement, Trump offered a derogatory nod to ABC News host and former Democratic adviser George Stephanopoulos.
“Get rid of Kimmel and perhaps replace him with another washed up, but cheap, ABC ‘talent,’ George Slopanopoulos,” he wrote.
In apparent reference to Stephanopoulos’ diminutive stature, Trump added: “He would make everybody on stage look bigger, stronger, and more glamorous.”
He went on to offer a dim view of the Academy Awards in general, asserting that it had become “a really bad politically correct show” that does not distribute awards based on merit.
“Disjointed, boring, and very unfair,” he added. “Why don’t they just give the Oscars to those that deserve them. Maybe that way their audience and TV ratings will come back from the depths. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Trump received a response from Kimmel before the ceremony ended.
“I was told we have like an extra minute, and I’m really proud of something and I was wondering if I could share it with you,” the host said. “I just got a review.”
After quoting a portion of Trump’s post, Kimmel added, “blah, blah, blah, make America great again,” and asked the crowd: “OK, now, see if you can guess which former president just posted that on Truth Social. Anyone? No?”
He mockingly thanked Trump for the comment before referencing the criminal charges filed against the former president.
“Thank you for watching,” he said. “I’m surprised you’re still — isn’t it past your jail time?”
