In a surprising twist for the digital age's cultural barometer, Google's annual Year in Search data for 2025 placed late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel as the third most trending person globally. The revelation, made public this week, was swiftly met with a characteristically sardonic response from the comedian himself during his Thursday night broadcast.
A Sarcastic Salute to an Unlikely Promoter
Addressing the unexpected accolade, Jimmy Kimmel extended a tongue-in-cheek thank you to one individual he credited for the boost in online searches: former U.S. President Donald Trump. "I just want to say, none of this would ever have happened without the support of loyal viewers like President Trump, who has done so much this year to raise awareness of our show," Kimmel joked from his studio. He capped the bit by adding, "Thank you, Mr. President for making me No. 3 in the world."
The remark is the latest volley in a years-long, very public feud between the entertainer and the politician. Trump has frequently retaliated against Kimmel's pointed monologue jokes, deriding him as a "bum" and previously calling for his removal from television. This dynamic has consistently fueled media coverage and public discourse, inevitably driving online search traffic for both figures.
The Feud Intensifies: A Suspension and a Backlash
The conflict reached a new peak in September of this year. Following comments made by Kimmel in the aftermath of the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, the host found himself temporarily suspended by the ABC network. Conservative commentators seized upon his remarks, creating a significant controversy.
Donald Trump publicly celebrated the news of Kimmel's suspension. However, the network's decision sparked a growing backlash from viewers and free-speech advocates. Amid this pressure, ABC reinstated Kimmel, and he soon returned to the airwaves, with the incident only serving to amplify his profile and the ongoing narrative of his clashes with Trump and his supporters.
Digital Echoes of a Cultural Divide
Kimmel's prominent placement on Google's 2025 global trending list is a stark indicator of how real-world political and cultural battles are reflected and amplified in digital spaces. The symbiotic, if adversarial, relationship between a comedian and a political figure continues to capture significant public attention, translating directly into search engine queries.
This episode underscores the powerful role that late-night comedy and political commentary play in shaping online trends. It also highlights how personal vendettas played out in the media can have a measurable impact on digital popularity metrics, blurring the lines between entertainment, politics, and internet culture.