Jimmy Kimmel Mocks Trump's Empty Midterm Convention in Dallas 2026

Jimmy Kimmel took aim at Donald Trump's midterm convention in Dallas, mocking the event as "as empty as a Waymo." The late-night host's monologue highlighted the stark contrast between Trump's claims of a packed arena and the reality of empty seats, sparking a wave of social media reactions.

Kimmel's Monologue: A Masterclass in Political Satire

During Thursday's episode, Kimmel opened with a scathing report on the second day of the Republican National Committee's "midterm convention" in Dallas. "He demanded a midterm convention, which is something that had never been done before, because there's no reason to do that," Kimmel explained. "And of course he got it. They do whatever he wants."

The host then played clips of Trump insisting the arena was packed, even as visual evidence showed otherwise. "He is so embarrassingly desperate to convince us that the place was packed," Kimmel laughed. "He even tried to convince the people in the place that it was packed."

Trump's Desperate Plea: 'Don't Anybody Go to the Bathroom'

Kimmel highlighted Trump's plea to attendees: "Please, if you don't mind, don't anybody go to the bathroom," lest the media capture images of empty seats. Kimmel retorted, "Easy for you to say, you're the only one wearing a diaper." The joke landed as a sharp critique of Trump's obsession with crowd size.

The Empty Arena: A Metaphor for a Presidency?

Kimmel suggested the half-empty arena was a fitting metaphor for Trump's presidency. "Could there be a better metaphor for this presidency than him bragging about the size of a crowd that isn't there?" he asked. The contrast between Trump's claims and reality has become a recurring theme in late-night comedy.

Key Takeaways from Kimmel's Monologue

• Trump demanded a midterm convention despite no precedent, and the RNC complied.
• Kimmel mocked Trump's desperation to prove the arena was full, calling it "embarrassing."
• The empty seats became a visual punchline, underscoring the gap between Trump's narrative and reality.
• Kimmel's joke about a diaper added a biting edge to the critique.

Late-Night Hosts Unite in Mockery

Kimmel wasn't alone in skewering the event. Other late-night hosts also recapped the underattended convention, with Trump promising $5,000 for every adult US citizen if Republicans win. The promise was met with skepticism and humor, as hosts questioned the feasibility and motives behind such a pledge.

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