Jimmy Kimmel took aim at Donald Trump's new press secretary and the former president's record-low poll numbers in a scathing late-night monologue on Thursday. With other hosts still on holiday, Kimmel returned to the airwaves to skewer the latest political developments, including Trump's beleaguered communications team and his faltering social media platform.
Kimmel's Take on Trump's New Press Secretary
Kimmel didn't hold back when discussing Trump's new press secretary, Katie Zacharia. The host joked that her legal background was reminiscent of another controversial figure: "She's an attorney in the way George Santos was volleyball champion," Kimmel quipped, drawing laughter from the audience. The remark highlighted the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Trump's staffing choices and the credibility of his spokespeople.
Record-Low Poll Numbers and Failing Truth Social
Kimmel also highlighted Trump's declining approval ratings, which have hit a record low of 36% according to a recent Fox News poll. "Even the president's former favorite, Fox News, predicts that Democrats will flip the House in the midterms," Kimmel noted. He added that the network "also betrayed daddy" with the poll, which shows Trump's support eroding even among his base.
Traffic to Trump's social media site, Truth Social, is down 30% year over year, and Kimmel mocked the platform's lack of engagement. "He seems to be the only one who posts to Truth Social," Kimmel said. "And I seem to be the only one who reads those posts on Truth Social. It's really just the two of us." He pointed out that even Trump's sons, Don Jr. and Eric, have stopped posting on the platform, with Don Jr. absent for two months and Eric since July. "His own stupid sons have forsaken him!" Kimmel exclaimed.
Trump's Rallies and the 2024 Election
Despite the bleak numbers, Kimmel acknowledged that Trump continues to draw crowds to his rallies. "People are still showing up by the dozens to see him in person," he said sarcastically. "Trump has been touring and boring the country all this month, to remind voters what an amazing job he thinks he's doing, and to castigate the fake news for not turning the cameras around to show the size of his crowds."
Kimmel's monologue comes as the 2024 election cycle heats up, with Trump facing multiple legal challenges and a growing field of Republican challengers. The host's jokes underscore the challenges facing Trump's campaign as he seeks to return to the White House.
Key Takeaways from Kimmel's Monologue
- Trump's approval rating has hit a record low of 36%, according to a Fox News poll.
- Truth Social traffic is down 30% year over year, with even Trump's sons abandoning the platform.
- Kimmel mocked the new press secretary, comparing her legal credentials to George Santos's fabricated volleyball career.
- Trump continues to hold rallies, but Kimmel suggests they are poorly attended and focused on grievances.
Comparing Trump's Poll Numbers and Social Media Engagement
| Metric | Current | Previous | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approval Rating | 36% | 42% | -6% |
| Truth Social Traffic | Down 30% YoY | Baseline | -30% |
| Don Jr. Posts (last 2 months) | 0 | Active | Inactive |
| Eric Posts (since July) | 0 | Active | Inactive |
FAQ
What did Jimmy Kimmel say about Trump's new press secretary?
Kimmel joked that the new press secretary, Katie Zacharia, is "an attorney in the way George Santos was volleyball champion," implying her credentials are questionable.
What are Trump's current approval ratings?
According to a recent Fox News poll, Trump's approval rating is at 36%, its lowest point ever.
Why is Truth Social traffic declining?
Traffic to Truth Social is down 30% year over year, partly because even Trump's family members have stopped posting, and engagement remains low.