Jimmy Kimmel Roasts RNC Midterm Convention and Trump Cash Gifts 2026

Jimmy Kimmel took aim at the Republican National Committee's underattended "midterm convention" and Donald Trump's unusual cash gifts to young female aides during his late-night monologue. The host mocked the GOP's apparent anxiety about the upcoming midterms, saying they are "very nervous about the midterms, and rightly so."

Kimmel Mocks Trump's $45,000 Cash Gifts

Kimmel opened with financial disclosures revealing that Trump gave his aide Natalie Harp a $45,000 cash gift for the holidays last December. Harp, described by Kimmel as Trump's "least secret admirer," is known for praising him, managing his iPad, and keeping him distracted. Kimmel joked that the cash was like paying a babysitter or a neighbor girl for a diaper change.

Trump also gave similarly sized gifts to two other young female staffers. "But I just want to say, before you rush to any judgment, there's absolutely nothing unusual about an 80-year-old billionaire president giving the three young attractive women in his office 45,000 bucks each," Kimmel said sarcastically. "You're the weird one for even thinking that, and shame on you."

The RNC's Unusual Midterm Convention

Kimmel then turned to the Republican National Committee's unprecedented "midterm convention," a two-day event in Dallas aimed at rallying support for a party led by a deeply unpopular president. "They never had a midterm convention before, but Trump wanted one and so they're having it," Kimmel explained. The host suggested the event was a sign of GOP desperation ahead of the midterms.

Why the GOP Is Nervous

With Trump's approval ratings sagging and the party facing an increasingly unpopular war, Republicans are scrambling to energize their base. Kimmel quipped that the convention was more about soothing Trump's ego than winning votes. "They're very nervous about the midterms, and rightly so," he said.

Attempts to Ban Zohran Mamdani from 9/11 Remembrances

Kimmel also roasted Republican attempts to ban New York mayor Zohran Mamdani from 9/11 remembrances. He called the move petty and un-American, suggesting the GOP is more focused on culture wars than actual governance.

Key Takeaways from Kimmel's Monologue

• Kimmel mocked Trump's $45,000 cash gifts to three young female aides as highly inappropriate.
• The RNC's first-ever midterm convention in Dallas signals GOP anxiety about the midterms.
• Republicans are trying to ban NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani from 9/11 events, which Kimmel called absurd.
• Kimmel's jokes highlight broader concerns about Trump's leadership and Republican priorities.

Comparing Late-Night Takes on the RNC

FAQ

Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of flooring camper, camper roof sealant, solar lights, paint camper exterior, and camper van refrigerator. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of inflatable bed pontoon boat, 12v fan camper van, portable hot water shower, camper shell chevy colorado, and mattress topper camper. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.