Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is once again facing backlash for using his platform to criticize former President Donald Trump—this time for skipping a military repatriation ceremony to attend a fundraising event and play golf in Florida.
But while Kimmel attempted to spark outrage, many have questioned the sincerity and timing of his comments, calling them politically motivated and out of touch.
The controversy began after it was reported that Trump, during the weekend of April 6, opted to attend a high-profile fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago and spend time on the golf course, rather than participate in the solemn return of four fallen U.S. soldiers.
The $1 million-per-head fundraiser reportedly benefited his political action committee and drew major GOP donors.
Kimmel, who has become known for his increasingly partisan monologues, took the opportunity to slam Trump on Jimmy Kimmel Live!—not with thoughtful commentary, some argue, but with the same recycled punchlines and inflammatory jabs that have become a staple of his show.
“Who is paying a million dollars for more of this?” Kimmel said mockingly. “If you want to throw away a million dollars, just put it in the stock market. You don’t have to give it to him.”
He then took a swipe at Trump’s golf game, joking, “Of course he won, anyone who beats him gets deported to El Salvador.”
Critics Question Kimmel’s Double Standards
While Kimmel appeared to position himself as a moral authority, some critics were quick to highlight the host’s own history of tasteless jokes and selective outrage.
Many on social media pointed out that Kimmel has rarely—if ever—held Democratic leaders to the same standard, including President Biden, who has also taken weekend vacations and been absent during national events.
“Jimmy Kimmel is a comedian, not a credible political commentator,” one user posted on X. “But he loves to pretend otherwise—so long as the target is a Republican.”
Once known for light-hearted comedy, Kimmel has shifted toward overt political commentary in recent years, and his critics argue that his approach now feels more like campaign messaging than comedy.
