Key Points
- Jimmy Kimmel mocked Donald Trump’s February 24 State of the Union address during his late-night show.
- The comedian compared Trump’s speech to “a Christmas message from the Grinch.”
- Kimmel criticized the lengthy 1 hour 47 minute address, joking it resembled a “conniption fit.”
- Stephen Colbert also slammed the speech, calling it “dark” and “filled with divisive lies.”
- The White House responded, dismissing the comedians as “low-rating, late-night losers.”
Kimmel’s Monologue Targets Trump’s Speech
On the February 24 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the veteran host tore into Donald Trump’s first State of the Union address of his second term. Kimmel described the speech as an “angry rant” and quipped that it sounded like “a Christmas message from the Grinch.”
He mocked the unusually long runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes, joking: “When you ramble mostly incoherently for two hours, is that technically still a speech, or does it, at some point, become a conniption fit?” Kimmel added that Trump should be played off with music like at the Oscars, suggesting “YMCA” as the exit cue.
The comedian concluded with sharp wordplay, declaring that the “real state of the union” was that the country was being led by a “nutjob wannabe king.”
Colbert Echoes Criticism
Stephen Colbert joined in the backlash during The Late Show, arguing that Trump’s address offered little new material. He described it as “a dark speech, filled with divisive lies,” and suggested it would do little to win back voters disillusioned with Trump’s second administration.
White House Pushes Back
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defended Trump’s remarks, pointing to his tribute to Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe and young Dalilah Coleman during the address. In a statement to USA Today, Jackson dismissed the comedians’ critiques: “It’s disappointing, but not shocking, that these low-rating, late-night losers would dismiss and smear these patriotic Americans – these types of deranged takes are why no one cares about their so-called shows.”
Context: Trump and Late-Night Comedy
Trump’s relationship with late-night hosts has long been contentious. Comedians like Kimmel and Colbert have consistently used their platforms to lampoon his speeches and policies, while Trump has frequently fired back, labeling them irrelevant or biased.
The latest exchange underscores the ongoing cultural divide between Trump’s supporters and critics in entertainment media.
What Happens Next?
With Trump’s second term continuing and late-night hosts showing no signs of easing their criticism, the clash between politics and comedy is likely to intensify. As the administration pushes forward with its agenda, comedians are expected to remain vocal, ensuring Trump’s speeches continue to be dissected on primetime television.
