Jimmy Kimmel on Trump's approval rating delivered a scathing and hilarious takedown, comparing the president's numbers to being 'somewhere between Ebola and Ed Sheeran.' The late-night host ridiculed Trump's new all-time low approval rating of just 29% during his monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, sparking laughter and criticism alike.
Kimmel's Viral Monologue: Trump Approval Rating in Freefall
Kimmel didn't hold back, joking that if the number drops any lower, 'he's gonna have to leave Melania for it.' The host also mocked Trump's recent behavior, including banning CNN and MS Now from press briefings, which led other networks to suspend coverage in protest. According to Kimmel, the lack of coverage has made Trump 'even crazier than he already is' because there's 'nothing he loves more' than being on TV.
The comedian painted a vivid picture of the White House, saying the only camera left is a 'ring camera that Melania has mounted on her bedroom door to keep him out of it.' This jab at the first lady added another layer to the ongoing late-night comedy feud.
Trump's Media Meltdown and Late-Night Comedy
Trump's week was filled with controversial moments, including a meeting with new UK prime minister Andy Burnham, who appeared 'visibly uncomfortable' as Trump bragged about his 'very petty new attack on freedom of the press.' Kimmel noted that Trump's defenders, from JD Vance to rightwing pundits, find it 'increasingly difficult for these hand puppets of Trump to explain the unexplainable.'
In response to the media solidarity that removed him from TV screens, Trump launched a 'state-run media network' called Trump TV on YouTube. It debuted with just 8,000 viewers, which Kimmel joked Trump would spin as a massive success.
Comparing Trump's Approval Ratings Over Time
| Date | Approval Rating | Context |
|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | 45% | Inauguration honeymoon |
| June 2025 | 38% | Mid-year slump |
| September 2025 | 29% | All-time low |
Key Takeaways from Kimmel's Trump Takedown
- Trump's approval rating hit an all-time low of 29%, prompting Kimmel's Ebola/Ed Sheeran comparison.
- Kimmel mocked Trump's media blackout and his new 'Trump TV' venture with only 8,000 viewers.
- The late-night host highlighted the discomfort of UK PM Andy Burnham during Trump's press attack.
- Kimmel's monologue continues the tradition of late-night comedy shaping political narratives.
The Role of Late-Night Comedy in Politics
Late-night hosts like Jimmy Kimmel have long used humor to critique politicians, but in recent years, their influence has grown. Kimmel's comparison of Trump's approval rating to Ebola and Ed Sheeran is a prime example of how comedy can distill complex political issues into memorable soundbites. While some argue that such jokes trivialize serious matters, others see them as a vital form of accountability.
Trump's response to media criticism, including launching Trump TV, shows how politicians attempt to bypass traditional media. However, the low viewership of Trump TV suggests that late-night comedy might still have the upper hand in reaching audiences.
FAQ
What did Jimmy Kimmel say about Trump's approval rating?
Kimmel joked that Trump's approval rating is 'somewhere between Ebola and Ed Sheeran' at just 29%, and quipped that if it drops lower, Trump will have to leave Melania for it.
Why did Trump ban CNN and MS Now from press briefings?
Trump banned CNN and MS Now from press briefings, leading other networks to suspend coverage in protest. Kimmel suggested this lack of coverage made Trump 'even crazier' because he craves TV attention.
What is Trump TV and how many viewers did it have?
Trump TV is a 'state-run media network' Trump launched on YouTube after being removed from TV screens. It debuted with only 8,000 viewers, which Kimmel mocked.