Jimmy Kimmel returned to the airwaves Tuesday night with a sharp critique of President Donald Trump, using his first episode back from summer break to deliver a 15-minute monologue that targeted the president on issues ranging from foreign policy to domestic projects. The comedian's return also coincided with reports suggesting his long-running late-night show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live," may be nearing its end.
Kimmel, 58, opened the show by drawing a parallel between himself and the president, stating, "Donald Trump and I have one thing in common. We both accomplished nothing all summer long." He then pivoted to a series of jokes and criticisms about Trump's handling of national issues during the summer months. He referenced the ongoing conflict with Iran, rising gas prices, and inflation, sarcastically remarking on the country's perceived improvements under Trump's leadership.
Reflecting Pool Controversy
A significant portion of Kimmel's monologue focused on the recent issues with the Reflecting Pool renovation near the White House. Kimmel mocked the project, which reportedly cost $20 million, branding the landmark a "big green slop hole." He presented images of the pool, which had been covered in tarps and appeared filled with dark liquid, contrasting it with the White House's claims of a nearly completed repair. "The president had three months, spent 20 million dollars and couldn't even get a pool cleaned," Kimmel quipped, joking that the president "turned it into gravy instead" of draining the swamp.
Kimmel also touched upon the war with Iran, questioning the nation's ability to handle foreign conflicts when "we can't even win the war against algae for God sake." He cited Trump's poll numbers, stating they were at "all-time lows" and suggested this was a factor in the president's actions regarding upcoming midterm elections.
Personal Attacks and Political Commentary
During the show, Kimmel also made a joke about Natalie Harp, a 35-year-old aide to President Trump, referencing recently revealed handwritten letters. He drew a comparison between Trump's work habits and Harp's appearance in a photograph, stating, "Would a president with historically low popularity number play golf instead of working over the weekend? I don't know, would Natalie Harp drive a golf cart in high heels? You bet your chicken tenders they would."
The host also addressed record-high fuel prices and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, likening the situation to the unlikelihood of Blockbuster Video reopening. He described Trump's dismissal of an ongoing conflict as "small potatoes," quipping about the president's physique. Kimmel also highlighted a 2024 social media post from Trump, which blamed Kamala Harris for economic hardships during a holiday weekend, and contrasted it with current gas prices.
Kimmel concluded his monologue by calling Trump "crazier than ever," citing the frequent AI-generated images and numerous social media posts from the president. He finished with a compilation video of Trump's summer highlights and lowlights.
Reports of Show's End
Tuesday's episode aired on the same day that reports emerged, citing sources from Page Six, suggesting that "Jimmy Kimmel Live" is slated to end in 2027, with Kimmel's contract reportedly not being extended. A spokesperson for ABC Entertainment issued a statement calling such reports "purely speculative" and "inaccurate."
Insiders have suggested that the decision to end the show is not related to Kimmel's criticism of Trump, but rather may stem from a desire to cut costs, a move potentially influenced by new Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro. Other sources indicated that D'Amaro is not swayed by pressure from the Trump administration. Some reports also mentioned that D'Amaro is offering early retirement packages to executives as part of a broader restructuring and cost-cutting initiative.