A defining trait of the Donald Trump era has been Republicans quickly falling in line behind the president on virtually every issues. But in the latest chapter of the Jimmy Kimmel feud, a surprising list of GOP lawmakers are breaking with the president and supporting the late-night TV host.
President Trump has not backed down from demanding ABC fire Kimmel over the comedian's mock White House Correspondents' Dinner segment in which the late-night host called First Lady Melania Trump an "expectant widow." The president insulted Kimmel and also turned up the pressure on Disney to take action.
During his monologue on Thursday night's Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel singled out a “small handful” of GOP figures who have spoken up in defense of First Amendment protections amid the ongoing controversy surrounding his show.
“I do want to commend the small handful of Republicans who’ve spoken out to support our First Amendment rights,” Kimmel said, before naming Senator Ted Cruz, Senator Rand Paul, and Representative James Comer.
“Every one of these guys I’ve made fun of repeatedly and viciously on this show,” Kimmel noted. “And you know what? Not one of them has pressured ABC to fire me for it.” That last line earned a loud ovation from Kimmel's studio audience. The fans clearly understand that comedians mocking politicians comes with the territory. And like those three Republican lawmakers, they also know Kimmel did not cross a line that merits punishment.
To further drive home his point, Kimmel rolled a montage of President Trump on the campaign trail, highlighting past remarks where the president railed against cancel culture, censorship, and threats to free speech. It's easy to see the contradiction now that the president repeatedly demands ABC fire Kimmel for a joke.
“I hate to say this — and I hope it doesn’t get me in trouble,” Kimmel said after the clip played. “I’m starting to think Donald Trump might be a hypocrite.”
The video package summed up the theme of Kimmel’s response throughout the week. For the comedian, the backlash to his comedy is less about principle and more about who’s on the receiving end of the joke. Even President Trump made a similar joke at his own expense during the fallout, leaving Kimmel to sarcastically call for the president to be fired.
It's also not the first time Kimmel has created a divide in the Republican Party. Several prominent Republican voices defended him back in September when ABC suspended him over comments connected to Charlie Kirk.
This time has the added layer of the FCC initiating an early review of Disney's broadcast licenses. That may be a key factor in motivating more politicians to suggest pumping the brakes when it comes to punishing Kimmel and ABC.
Another thing Kimmel and Republicans must agree on? President Trump isn't just going to let this go and drop it, no matter who's left on his side.
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