The 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, saw comedian Jimmy Kimmel reignite his feud with former US President Donald Trump during his presenting duties. Kimmel, known for his sharp wit and political commentary, took the opportunity to poke fun at Trump and First Lady Melania Trump during the ceremony.
One of Kimmel’s jokes referenced a documentary about Melania Trump’s life before her husband’s second presidential inauguration in 2025. Without directly naming Trump, Kimmel quipped that the president might be disappointed that his wife wasn’t nominated for an Oscar. The comedian also made a broader joke about documentary filmmaking and free speech, subtly jabbing at leaders who suppress open expression.
This Oscars appearance added fuel to the ongoing rivalry between Kimmel and Trump. The two have a history of exchanging barbs, with Trump even celebrating the temporary cancellation of Kimmel’s show in 2025. Kimmel, on the other hand, has not shied away from challenging the president in the past.
The jokes didn’t sit well with Steven Cheung, a Trump ally and political communications figure, who took to social media to criticize Kimmel. Cheung called Kimmel a “classless hack” and accused him of projecting personal issues onto others. The heated exchange on X (formerly Twitter) further escalated when political commentator Harry Sisson chimed in, suggesting that Cheung had fallen into Kimmel’s trap by reacting so strongly.
Despite the controversy surrounding Kimmel’s remarks, the 98th Academy Awards celebrated the best in filmmaking, with Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” taking home the coveted Best Picture award. The film, a drama about a former revolutionary protecting his daughter, also won in categories like Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Director.
Another standout at the Oscars was Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” a vampire thriller that garnered praise for its cinematography and lead actor Michael B. Jordan’s performance. The ceremony highlighted the competitiveness of the film industry, with both “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners” receiving recognition across multiple categories.
The clash between Kimmel and Trump, sparked by the comedian’s Oscars remarks, serves as a reminder of the intersection between entertainment and politics in today’s media landscape. As the dust settles on this latest feud, it’s clear that both Kimmel and Trump will continue to use their platforms to engage in spirited discourse and entertain audiences around the world.
