Jelly Roll is unapologetic about joking with President Donald Trump while stepping in as a temporary host for Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show.
“What a twist of fate! Who would’ve thought I’d stir up more trouble with the president than Rosie O’Donnell?” quipped Jelly Roll, 41, during the Tuesday, August 25, episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! “Some people online were upset that I didn’t show the president reverence and dignity, but remember, my name is Jelly Roll. I don’t even treat myself with reverence and dignity.”
Starting a week-long stint as a guest host for the ABC show, Jelly Roll (whose real name is Jason DeFord) used his monologue to make jokes about Trump, 80. His humor drew attention from Fox News and some conservative viewers.
“Honestly, I think most people were just surprised I had any opinions at all. They see a guy like me and assume my only opinion is if I prefer my meth crystal or classic,” he remarked. “But let’s be real: Any U.S. president should be able to handle a few jokes, right? They should also be able to manage gas prices, healthcare, and the occasional international conflict, but beggars can’t be choosers.”
Jelly Roll added, “If you wanted me to make jokes about Kamala Harris, you should have voted for her.”
Before wrapping up his monologue, the Grammy winner addressed critics who threatened to stop listening to his music due to his remarks.
“I just want to say with conviction: Go right ahead, because I’m gonna keep speaking my truth or my name isn’t Post Malone,” he declared.
Throughout the week, the “Hands Up” singer continued to humorously comment on headlines involving the Trump administration.
“I can’t believe out of all the jokes I’ve told the past few nights, the one that really seemed to make people mad about what I said about the president was when I said he was overweight,” Jelly Roll remarked on the Wednesday, August 26, episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! “I thought fat-on-fat crime was OK?! We can debate whether this president is mentally fit, but I think we can all agree he is certainly not physically fit. But I hope I can inspire The Donald, man. If I can lose all that weight, he can too.”
The country star has been open about his weight journey for nearly a decade. In 2015, he weighed over 500 pounds. Three years later, he had shed 275 pounds and counting.
During Wednesday’s show, Jelly Roll showed no signs of stopping his playful jabs at the president and his supporters.
“Contrary to what some of you all have been saying on the internet,” he said, “I have not joined the Hollywood illuminati, yet.”
Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs on ABC weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET. Stream episodes the next day on Hulu.
