In a stark and politically charged holiday broadcast, American talk show host Jimmy Kimmel delivered a warning about the rise of fascism in the United States, directly targeting former President Donald Trump. Kimmel's remarks came as part of Channel 4's "The Alternative Christmas Message", aired in the United Kingdom on Christmas Day.
A Direct Warning on Democracy
Kimmel, addressing a British audience, framed the past year from what he called a "fascism perspective," stating it had been a "really great year" for tyranny, which he said was "booming" in America. He criticized Trump for acting "like he’s a king" and reflected on the potential impact of a second Trump term.
The comedian linked his warning to recent personal experience, referencing the temporary suspension of his ABC show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in September. The suspension followed his comments on the reaction to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which suggested some Trump supporters were trying to capitalize on the death.
A Battle Over Free Speech and a Swift Return
Trump celebrated the suspension, calling it "great news for America" and calling for other late-night hosts to be fired. The incident sparked widespread debate about freedom of speech and press freedoms in the U.S.
In response, hundreds of Hollywood figures and entertainment industry leaders urged Americans to defend their constitutional rights. Kimmel's show was back on air less than a week later, a victory he described to the UK audience as a "Christmas miracle" that happened in September, where millions spoke up for free speech.
"We won, the president lost, and now I’m back on the air every night giving the most powerful politician on earth a right and richly deserved bollocking," Kimmel declared.
An Apology to Britain and a Call to Hold On
Kimmel, who joked he didn't expect Brits to know who he was, cautioned that silencing critics is not confined to authoritarian states like Russia or North Korea. He emphasized the enduring "special relationship" between the U.S. and U.K., born despite the American Revolution 250 years ago.
He urged the United Kingdom not to give up on the United States, which he admitted was "going through a bit of a wobble right now." Kimmel issued a blunt apology, stating America is "figuratively and literally tearing down the structures of our democracy," citing threats to the free press, science, medicine, judicial independence, and even referencing the demolition of the White House East Wing.
"We are a right mess, and we know this is also affecting you, and I just wanted to say sorry," he told viewers.
Channel 4's alternative message tradition, started in 1993 as a counterpart to the British monarch's speech, has previously featured controversial figures like whistleblower Edward Snowden and former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. This year, it provided a global platform for an American comedian's pointed critique of his own nation's political trajectory.
