President Donald Trump isn’t backing down in his long-running feud with late-night television. Just days after celebrating the end of Stephen Colbert’s Late Show, Trump took to Truth Social to send another blunt message. And this time aimed directly at Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon.
“The word is, and it’s a strong word at that, Jimmy Kimmel is NEXT to go… and shortly thereafter, Fallon will be gone,” Trump wrote on July 22. “These are people with absolutely NO TALENT, who were paid millions of dollars for, in all cases, destroying what used to be GREAT Television.”
“It’s really good to see them go, and I hope I played a major part in it!” he added. It was a not-so-subtle nod to his growing cultural influence outside of politics.
Fallon and Kimmel Still Standing — For Now
While Trump’s prediction stirred headlines, both comedians remain under contract. Fallon is signed through 2028 with NBC, and Kimmel extended his ABC deal in 2022.
Still, Trump’s words reflect a broader shift. Once dominant cultural voices, Kimmel and Fallon have seen ratings and relevance dip in recent years, even as they continue to take shots at the president.
After Trump’s 2024 re-election win, Fallon likened it to “getting back with a crazy ex.” Kimmel went further during the 2024 Oscars, mocking Trump from the stage by reading one of his Truth Social posts live on air.
Colbert Claps Back—With Familiar Rhetoric
Trump’s comments followed the surprise cancellation of Colbert’s Late Show, and the host addressed the situation in a fiery monologue.
“Go [expletive] yourself,” Colbert said, using what he jokingly called the “eloquence cam” to deliver a direct retort.
He also took jabs at Trump’s prediction about Kimmel being next, sarcastically calling himself a “martyr” and adding: “There’s only room for one on this cross.”
Trump Praises Gutfeld as the New Standard
In contrast, Trump had high praise for Fox News’ Greg Gutfeld, calling him “better than all of them combined.” He also singled out Fallon again as “the moron on NBC who ruined the once great ‘Tonight Show.’”
Gutfeld, whose late-night program has gained momentum by offering a non-traditional, right-leaning voice, appears to be the kind of content Trump believes viewers are now gravitating toward. And his endorsement underscores that shift.
Media Power Plays—and a Cultural Reset?
Trump’s feud with the late-night crowd isn’t new, but with Colbert out, and Trump declaring he “played a major part in it,” it’s clear he sees the tide turning.
“Late-night TV used to be funny,” he’s said before. “Now it’s just sad.”
Whether Kimmel and Fallon are truly next remains to be seen. But in the battle between Trump and late-night television, the momentum, for now, seems to be swinging in his favor.
