Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel found himself at the center of a familiar political back-and-forth after taking a few jabs at the White House while presenting at the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday night. President Donald Trump's administration once again couldn't help itself when it comes to Kimmel.
Kimmel, who hosted the Oscars ceremony multiple times earlier in his career, returned to Academy Award stage this year as a presenter tasked with introducing the Documentary Feature category. In doing so, he used the moment to highlight the dangers many documentary filmmakers face while covering oppressive regimes. In the process, the Jimmy Kimmel LIve! host dropped a punchline that drew applause from the Hollywood crowd.
“We hear a lot about courage at shows like this, but telling a story that could get you killed for telling it—that’s real courage,” Kimmel said. “As you know, there are some countries whose leaders don’t support free speech. I’m not at liberty to say which. Let’s just leave it at North Korea and CBS," Kimmel said, firing a shot on behalf of his fellow late-night host Stephen Colbert.
Kimmel’s Oscars appearance also included a pair of jabs connected to the Amazon documentary about First Lady Melania Trump. Before announcing the winner in the category, he teased the project with another punchline aimed at the president.
“Oh man, is he going to be mad his wife wasn’t nominated for this,” Kimmel joked. It was probably that one that really caught the attention of Trump's White House.
Shortly after Kimmel's appearance on the broadcast, White House Director of Communications Steven Cheung blasted Kimmel in a post on X from his official administration account.
“Jimmy Kimmel (Mr. Blackface) is a classless hack who is self-projecting his depression and sadness onto others,” Cheung wrote. “He lives a pathetic existence where nobody—not even his family—enjoys his miserable company. The only people giving him any attention are Hollywood Elites. BUH-BYE!”
Cheung didn't exactly make a strong argument in his attempt to defend his boss. Kimmel's family works with him daily at his ABC show, including his wife Molly McNearney. And President Trump hasn't hid the fact that he's obsessed with fame, celebrity, and the type of "Hollywood elites" that Kimmel interviews and socializes with.
The clash marks the latest chapter in Kimmel’s long-running and very public feud with the administration of Donald Trump. As host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel has frequently used his monologues to criticize Trump, his allies, and his policies. In turn, figures within Trump’s orbit have regularly singled out Kimmel and other late-night hosts for criticism.
What stands out about this latest exchange is how quickly the White House elevated the moment. Kimmel’s comments came during a brief presenting segment, and his jokes were in line with the kind of political humor that has long appeared on major award show stages. Host Conan O'Brien made similar jokes, but didn't draw the kind of criticism directed at Kimmel. The comedian's history with Team Trump likely played a part in getting singled out.
The administration’s response ensured that the clip traveled far beyond the audience watching the ceremony. Cheung's tweet isn't going to change anything with Kimmel's material. If anything, the comedians is probably delighted that he once again got under the collective skin at the White House.