Jimmy Kimmel fired back at Donald Trump with a sharp-edged challenge and a few jabs of his own after the president mocked him during the Kennedy Center Honors, just as the late-night host confirmed his ABC contract has been extended through May 2027.
During Monday’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the 58-year-old comedian addressed Trump’s weekend remarks, which included calling Kimmel a “horrible” emcee and claiming he could “beat out Jimmy Kimmel in terms of talent” at any time. Kimmel didn’t hesitate to respond.
“Donald Trump was the host of the show; he’s been boasting, saying we’ve never had a President host the Kennedy Center Honors before,” Kimmel said. “Why do you think that is? We’ve also never had Neil Patrick Harris order a military strike on a fishing boat before.”
The late-night host then took it a step further, suggesting Trump might be too focused on him.
“Let’s have a talent competition. I will come out and tell a few jokes, I’ll draw something and play my clarinet. He can play golf, spank a p### star, and ruin the country,” Kimmel said.
Trump has yet to respond to Kimmel’s remarks. The back-and-forth is the latest in a string of public barbs between the two.
Kimmel closed Monday’s episode with news that his late-night show has been renewed for another year, extending the run through 2027.
“I have one more bit of entertainment news to share. I have decided to extend my contract here at ABC for another year,” he said. “Our show has been renewed until May of 2027, or until the world ends – whichever comes first. I was giving a lot of thought and decided I would like to spend less time with my family, and so to our audience here and at home – I’m honored and humbled to be a part of your routine. Whether it’s in bed at night, or during your morning toilet time.”