Jimmy Kimmel Mocks Trump's Oval Office Media Ban and Salad Joke 2026

Jimmy Kimmel took aim at Donald Trump's Oval Office media ban and the state visit from China's Xi Jinping, delivering a monologue that skewered the president's obsession with appearances and his contentious relationship with the press. The late-night host joked that journalists are now as unwelcome in the Oval Office as a salad, referencing Trump's well-known disdain for healthy eating.

Kimmel on Trump's Media Ban: 'They're Going in Anyway'

During Thursday's episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the host discussed the overturning of Trump's White House media ban, which had barred CNN and other outlets from press briefings. Kimmel quipped, "At this point, the only thing more unwelcome in the Oval Office than CNN is a salad." He added, "They're like Trump and a beauty pageant dressing room: they're going in anyway, they will not be stopped." The joke highlighted the president's ongoing battle with the media and his preference for friendly coverage.

The ruling came as Trump hosted Xi Jinping for a state visit, a high-stakes diplomatic event that Kimmel used as fodder for more jokes. The host mocked Trump's tour of the White House, where he showed Xi the gold decor, a half-built ballroom, and what he called "the most beautiful helipad ever." Kimmel laughed, "There is really nothing that this man will not brag about," before impersonating Trump: "Guys, I know that gas is $6 a gallon, but look at how beautiful my helipad is."

Xi's Panda Diplomacy and Kimmel's Hilarious Response

During a press conference, Xi announced plans to send two giant pandas to the US as a gesture of goodwill. Kimmel had a field day with the news, saying, "That's a very bad idea. If they send Trump pandas, he's definitely going to eat them. Do these pandas come Express?" The joke played on Trump's notorious eating habits and his love for fast food, which has been a recurring theme in late-night comedy.

Kimmel also touched on the White House state dinner, which included guests like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and Tim Cook. The host joked about the tech billionaires' presence, suggesting they were there to curry favor with the president. "It's like a billionaire's row of sycophants," Kimmel said, highlighting the close ties between Trump and Silicon Valley elites.

Key Takeaways from Kimmel's Monologue

• Media ban overturned: Kimmel celebrated the return of journalists to the White House, mocking Trump's attempts to control the press.
• Xi's state visit: The host ridiculed Trump's bragging about the White House decor and helipad.
• Panda diplomacy: Kimmel joked that Trump would eat the pandas, a nod to his fast-food diet.
• Tech billionaires at dinner: Kimmel suggested the guests were there to flatter Trump.

Comparing Late-Night Takes on Trump's Presidency

Kimmel isn't the only late-night host covering Trump's latest controversies. Here's how his jokes stack up against others:

While each host has their own style, Kimmel's ability to blend political commentary with absurd humor keeps him a favorite among late-night audiences. His jokes about Trump's Oval Office antics resonate because they highlight the absurdity of the president's behavior.

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