Jimmy Kimmel responds to Donald Trump’s latest insults at the Kennedy Center Honors by joking the president has a "crush" on him. Discover the details of their ongoing feud and Kimmel's hilarious reaction.
Jimmy Kimmel addresses Donald Trump’s fixation during late-night monologue
After years of being a primary target for the former and future president, Jimmy Kimmel has found a new way to interpret the constant barrage of insults. Following a red carpet interview where Donald Trump once again singled him out as "terrible," the host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! shared a humorous theory with his audience, suggesting that such intense fixation might actually be a sign of unrequited affection.
As a veteran of late-night television, I have seen many political feuds, but the cycle between these two has reached a level of personal obsession that is hard to ignore. Whether it is through posts on Truth Social or comments during prestigious events like the Kennedy Center Honors, the Republican leader seems unable to keep Kimmel's name out of his mouth, providing endless material for the ABC comedian.
Why did Donald Trump call Jimmy Kimmel terrible at the Kennedy Center Honors?
During the red carpet of the Kennedy Center Honors in December 2025, reporters asked Donald Trump how he had prepared to host the prestigious awards show. In a typical display of his unfiltered style, he mentioned that he might not have prepared at all, preferring to remain "loose." However, he quickly pivoted to comparing himself to historical icons of the medium. He praised legends like Johnny Carson and Bob Hope, labeling them as the "greats" of the genre, before contrasting them with the current ABC star.
"If you look at the not-so-greats, like Jimmy Kimmel. He’s terrible," Trump stated to the press. This comment wasn't just a passing remark; it was a deliberate jab at a man who has made a career out of satirizing the president's every move. For those of us who follow these interactions closely, the insult felt like a calculated move to diminish Kimmel's professional standing while elevating the "gold standard" of old-school late-night television. Trump's disdain for Kimmel's humor is well-documented, often taking to Truth Social to vent his frustrations about specific monologues or sketches that highlight his administration's controversies.
Does Donald Trump have a secret crush on Jimmy Kimmel?
When Jimmy Kimmel took to his stage the following night, he didn't lean into anger. Instead, he opted for a psychological "reframe" that left the audience in stitches. He initially feigned being deeply wounded by the remarks, telling his viewers, “That's very hurtful. I thought we were friends.” However, he quickly moved to the punchline that has since gone viral across social media and entertainment news outlets.
“I don't know what's going on. He is really fixated. I'm starting to think he might have a crush on me,” Kimmel quipped. By shifting the narrative from a professional rivalry to a "secret crush," the host effectively neutralized the sting of the "terrible" label. This h2 tactic highlights the absurdity of a sitting world leader focusing so much energy on a comedian. Kimmel also took the opportunity to mock Trump’s boast about being the first president to host the Kennedy Center Honors, pointing out that while other hosts like Neil Patrick Harris might not have presidential experience, they also haven't "launched a military strike on a fishing boat," making the comparison between showmanship and statesmanship even more ridiculous.
Will the feud between Jimmy Kimmel and Donald Trump ever end?
The short answer is likely no, as both figures benefit from the engagement this rivalry generates. For Kimmel, Trump is the ultimate source of content, a figure whose actions drive ratings and provide a constant stream of "must-watch" monologues. For Trump, attacking "liberal" media figures like Kimmel serves as a way to rally his base against the Hollywood establishment. It is a symbiotic relationship born out of mutual public disdain.
As we look toward the 2026 television season, can we expect a reconciliation, or will the "crush" only intensify as the political climate heats up?
Jimmy Kimmel and Donald Trump Feud Breakdown
Key highlights from the latest late-night controversy.
Kennedy Center Honors
"He's terrible"
"He has a crush"
ABC / Disney
| Fact | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Host Praise | Carson & Hope | Trump Interview |
| Host Insult | Jimmy Kimmel | Red Carpet |
| Show Airtime | 11:35 PM ET | ABC News |