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Jimmy Kimmel blames Trump for the ‘very painful’ condition of the country


Donald Trump giving a speech
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Jimmy Kimmel at an event.

Jimmy Kimmel blames Trump for the ‘very painful’ condition of the country

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has intensified his criticism of President Donald Trump, describing the current state of the nation as deeply troubling. This commentary emerged during high-profile public appearances where Kimmel connected political leadership to widespread American suffering.

The tension between Kimmel and Trump has escalated significantly since September 2025. Their ongoing feud reflects broader national divisions about leadership, accountability, and free speech in media.

Stethoscope with a pink paper having mental health written on it.

Kimmel’s comments come from a benefit event for mental health

During the third annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit hosted by Selena Gomez, Jimmy Kimmel took the stage with pointed political observations. The event celebrated the nonprofit’s mission to support mental health awareness and access across underserved communities.

Kimmel’s remarks at this high-profile gathering were deliberate and impactful. He connected national turmoil directly to the mental health crisis affecting millions of Americans seeking relief.

USA flag and Capitol building

Kimmel describes the nation’s condition as ‘very painful’

Kimmel’s exact words painted a grim picture: “It’s very painful to see what’s happening in our country right now.” His statement resonated through the packed venue as attendees recognized the gravity of his tone.

He further emphasized the severity by adding a sardonic observation about relief being unavailable. The comedian’s delivery suggested frustration with both circumstances and perceived inaction from leadership.

washington usa  october 15 2022 bottle of tylenol extra

Kimmel’s Tylenol quip highlights restrictions on basic relief

The host delivered a pointed jab: “We’re not even allowed to take Tylenol for it.” This cutting reference alluded to recent controversial statements from Trump administration officials regarding common over-the-counter medications and their controversial claims.

Kimmel used dark humor to illustrate how even simple solutions feel politically contested in today’s climate. His commentary suggested that everyday Americans face barriers to basic comfort amid national turmoil.

Jimmy Kimmel Live show on monitor

Kimmel’s suspension in September raised First Amendment concerns

ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live for five days after his September monologue about political violence following Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Federal Communications Commission leadership threatened regulatory action against the network and its affiliates.

Constitutional scholars and free speech advocates condemned the pressure as government overreach and potential jawboning. The incident sparked national debate about media independence and political intimidation of broadcasters.

Lighted Halloween Pumpkins

Trump’s Halloween party highlighted disconnect from struggling Americans

On the same weekend SNAP benefits were about to expire for 42 million low-income Americans, Trump hosted an extravagant Great Gatsby-themed Halloween celebration at Mar-a-Lago. The opulent event featured vintage 1920s decor and professional performers.

Kimmel seized on this timing during his Monday night monologue with sharp commentary. He called it “the Trumpiest Trump move of all time,” capturing public sentiment.

Group of volunteers in community donation center food bank.

Millions faced food assistance loss amid government shutdown

The federal government shutdown reached its 35th day as 42 million Americans depended on SNAP benefits for purchasing groceries and essentials. The Trump administration ultimately approved partial benefits using emergency Department of Agriculture contingency funds.

However, recipients received only 50 percent of their expected monthly support amounts. Delays in distributing even reduced benefits created widespread hardship across vulnerable low-income households nationwide.

swindon uk  february 18 2021 the great gatsby

Kimmel questioned the literary irony of Trump’s party theme

The host remarked that the Great Gatsby theme was “something you would select only if you’ve never actually read ‘The Great Gatsby.'” His critique pointed directly to the novel’s cautionary message about wealth and moral decline.

Kimmel highlighted how Trump’s celebration embodied the failings Fitzgerald warned against in his classic work. The irony resonated deeply with viewers familiar with the novel’s enduring literary themes

Donald Trump giving a speech

Kimmel contrasted Trump’s stated concerns with actual policy

Trump claimed he doesn’t want low-income Americans to go hungry during the ongoing government shutdown crisis. Kimmel responded sharply: “He just wants them to lose their health insurance but wants them to eat.”

This sharp observation underscored contradictions between public statements and actual policy outcomes affecting vulnerable populations. Kimmel’s critique suggested that compassionate rhetoric masks deep indifference toward struggling Americans everywhere.

Donald Trump during election campaign

Kimmel dissected Trump’s recent ’60 Minutes’ performance

During his Monday night monologue, Kimmel critiqued Trump’s recent ’60 Minutes’ interview where the president repeatedly blamed Biden for national problems. The host joked that Trump’s message was simply: “Me good, Biden bad.”

Kimmel noted the absurdity of endless Biden blame despite Trump holding the presidency currently. He humorously suggested Trump would eventually blame Biden for completely personal matters unrelated to governance.

A plastic model of brain in human hands

Kimmel renewed his challenge for Trump to take a public test

After Trump called Texas congresswoman Jasmine Crockett a “low IQ person,” Kimmel officially invited the president to a televised debate with Crockett. Crockett accepted the invitation immediately and enthusiastically.

Trump remained completely silent on the high-stakes challenge facing him directly and publicly. Kimmel reiterated on air: “We still haven’t received a response from Donald Trump, but I’m very serious about this.”

Writing a check mark in a checkbox with a pen

Polling shows Kimmel more popular than Trump

A YouGov survey conducted in late September revealed that Jimmy Kimmel enjoys 44 percent favorability versus Trump’s 41 percent approval rating. The margin represents a significant gap given Trump’s current status as sitting president.

Kimmel quipped sarcastically on air: “At this point, finding a toenail in your salad has a seven-point lead over Donald Trump.” The joke humorously illustrated the depths of Trump’s approval challenges.

In other news, see how Kimmel boldly claimed he’s more popular than the president himself.

Fist fight

The Kimmel-Trump feud reflects tensions in modern media

This ongoing conflict between late-night comedy and political leadership raises fundamental questions about free speech, power, and accountability in contemporary America. The stakes extend far beyond entertainment into constitutional protections.

Kimmel’s willingness to maintain criticism despite his suspension signals determination to preserve media independence and journalistic integrity. His principled stand resonates strongly with audiences concerned about political pressure on free expression.

Jimmy Kimmel bounced back with jokes after the revival of his suspended show. See how he poked fun at JD Vance during his big TV return.

Do you think Kimmel has a point about Trump’s impact on the country? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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