In a notable scheduling twist, Jimmy Kimmel delayed the taping of his late-night show on Tuesday to craft a direct response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address. However, Trump's speech stretched to an unprecedented 1 hour and 48 minutes, making it the longest such address to Congress in history, forcing Kimmel to begin his broadcast while the president was still speaking.
Kimmel's Humorous Take on the Marathon Speech
Opening his show, Kimmel couldn't resist poking fun at the extended duration. "The speech went on so long, Kristi Noem's dog shot itself," he quipped, referencing a recent political controversy with a darkly comedic edge. As a four-time host of the Academy Awards, Kimmel drew from his experience to suggest a creative solution for future lengthy presidential speeches.
Proposing an Oscars-Inspired Solution
"They do need to hire an orchestra to play him off like the Oscars," Kimmel recommended. "At the stroke of 90 minutes, go straight into 'YMCA' and end it." This idea highlights his blend of entertainment savvy and political commentary, aiming to inject humor into the often-serious realm of governmental proceedings.
Kimmel's Scathing Critique of Trump's Policies
Beyond the jokes, Kimmel delivered a pointed monologue summarizing what he sees as the true state of the nation over a year into Trump's second term. He described Trump as "a nutjob wannabe king" who is actively censoring dissenting opinions and using force against American citizens. Kimmel accused the president of slashing funding for critical areas like cancer research and children's hospitals while allegedly enriching himself and his family by billions.
He further criticized Trump for undermining voting rights, protecting pedophiles without explanation, and favoring billionaires at the expense of vulnerable populations such as the sick, poor, and hungry. "He's lining the pockets of billionaires, all while neglecting the sick, the poor, the hungry in the name of Jesus, by the way, who you could read all about in a Donald Trump edition of the 'God Bless the USA Bible' that is made in China and available for $99.99," Kimmel remarked, blending satire with serious allegations.
This monologue, aired on Tuesday night, encapsulates Kimmel's role as a vocal critic in the entertainment landscape, using his platform to blend comedy with sharp political analysis. The incident underscores the ongoing tension between media figures and the Trump administration, highlighting how late-night television continues to serve as a forum for dissent and public discourse.
