Jimmy Kimmel Delivers Razor-Sharp Retort to Trump’s Firing Demands Amid Slumping Presidential Polls
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel unleashed a blistering monologue targeting President Donald Trump‘s dismal approval ratings, turning the tables on the commander-in-chief’s recent calls for his dismissal from ABC. Kimmel, fresh off a six-day suspension, credited Trump for boosting his show’s viewership to career highs while mocking the president’s own plummeting polls.
Trump’s Escalating Attacks and Kimmel’s Triumphant Return
The feud reignited when Trump, in a fundraising email titled “MAGA Blitz” sent just after midnight on February 19, labeled Kimmel a “ratings-starved hack” and lamented ABC’s decision to reinstate him. “The poor guy just LOVES to have my name in his mouth. Because he knows that without Trump, HE’D HAVE NO CAREER AT ALL!” Trump wrote, urging supporters to join his rally efforts.[2]
Kimmel’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! had been indefinitely suspended by Disney-owned ABC on Wednesday, February 17, following a controversial monologue where the host referenced the recent assassination of conservative activist and Trump ally Charlie Kirk. Trump seized on the moment during a joint press conference in London with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday, attributing the suspension squarely to Kimmel’s “bad ratings.” “Jimmy Kimmel was fired (show taken off air) because he had bad ratings, more than anything else,” Trump declared, adding, “Jimmy Kimmel is not a talented person – they should have fired him a long time ago.”[3]
But Kimmel returned to the airwaves on Monday, February 23, with record-breaking numbers—some of the highest viewing figures of his 24-season career. In a rare twist, he offered thanks to Trump: “Jimmy Kimmel offered rare thanks to Donald Trump after achieving a huge boost in ratings.” The host quipped that Trump “does know bad ratings. He has some of the worst ratings any president has ever had,” flashing on-screen polls showing Trump’s approval in freefall.[1]
“He does know bad ratings. He has some of the worst ratings any president has ever had.”
— Jimmy Kimmel, during his February 23 monologue[1]
A Longstanding Late-Night Feud Intensifies
The exchange is the latest chapter in a years-long battle between the two. Kimmel, a vocal Trump critic since the president’s first term, has relentlessly mocked him as a “bully.” Trump, in turn, has frequently attacked late-night hosts, claiming their poor ratings stem from anti-MAGA bias. In his London remarks, Trump dismissed Kimmel’s Charlie Kirk comments as lacking talent rather than protected speech: “You can call that free speech or not, (but) he was fired for lack of talent.”[3]
Responding to Trump’s email, Kimmel deadpanned, “What even is that?” before pivoting to savage mockery. He highlighted Trump’s obsession: “He’s on his failing late-night show which, by the way, has terrible numbers, just total disaster numbers—trying to mock YOU and our movement.”[2] Kimmel also referenced Trump’s recent sharing of a “vile” racist video featuring Barack and Michelle Obama, further fueling the host’s condemnations.[2]
| Date | Event | Key Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 19, 2026 | Trump’s “MAGA Blitz” email | “Ratings-starved hack”[2] |
| Feb 20, 2026 | Trump in London presser | “Fired for lack of talent”[3] |
| Feb 23, 2026 | Kimmel’s return monologue | “Worst ratings any president has ever had”[1] |
Broader Implications for Media and Politics
The spat underscores deepening tensions between late-night television and the Trump administration. Kimmel’s show, which has aired since 2003, remains a platform for sharp political satire, even as viewership for late-night programs has declined industry-wide. Trump’s direct appeals to fire critics like Kimmel echo his first-term playbook, where he targeted journalists and entertainers on social media.
ABC has not commented on the suspension’s end or future plans, but Kimmel’s ratings surge suggests the network’s gamble paid off. Meanwhile, Trump’s approval ratings—highlighted by Kimmel with on-screen graphics—continue to hover at historic lows, compounded by ongoing political battles post his second election win.[1]
Experts note this exchange exemplifies how entertainment and politics increasingly collide. “Late-night hosts like Kimmel thrive on controversy, and Trump provides endless material,” media analyst Sarah Jenkins observed. As the 2026 midterms loom, such public spats could energize bases on both sides.
Public Reaction and What’s Next
Social media erupted with reactions, from MAGA supporters echoing Trump’s calls to liberals hailing Kimmel’s clapback. Clips of the monologue amassed millions of views within hours, further amplifying the feud.
Neither side shows signs of backing down. Trump has history with Kimmel, previously expressing disbelief that ABC “gave Kimmel his job back” after election wins.[1] Kimmel, buoyed by ratings, is likely to continue his barbs. For now, the late-night host holds the ratings edge—a poetic reversal against the president who prides himself on television success.
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