On Wednesday, Jimmy Kimmel joined Michelle Obama on her podcast to engage in a discussion about addressing “real” issues during Donald Trump’s second term in office.
Kimmel, appearing on “IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson,” which is co-hosted by Obama and her brother, expressed his views, saying, “I can’t imagine discussing anything else on those nights besides what we are discussing, and I commend my colleagues for doing the same. It would be embarrassing and shameful if we avoided these topics.”
During his second term, Donald Trump frequently criticized cable networks that were critical of him, particularly targeting late-night talk show hosts like Kimmel. The administration has allegedly used the Federal Communications Commission as a tool, reportedly exerting pressure on cable networks through its chair, Brendan Carr.
Kimmel’s ABC show experienced a temporary suspension last year after the FCC threatened action over a joke he made regarding the Trump administration’s response to the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
On her podcast, Obama commended Kimmel for his decision to address serious topics, describing his approach as “brave and bold” and acknowledging his use of the platform to “speak truth to power.”
Kimmel responded by saying, “I don’t consider it brave. Maybe bold is more accurate. To me, it feels obvious and unavoidable.”
He noted that while it is enjoyable to entertain and make people laugh, “well-rounded individuals don’t behave that way all the time.”
Although Kimmel admitted he doesn’t enjoy the nights when he must take a more serious tone, he acknowledged feeling uncomfortable and emotional during those times.
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Kimmel admitted, “I sometimes lose control of my emotions, which embarrasses me, but I feel like I wrestle with the decision throughout the day. Am I going to talk about this? And then I think, ‘Yes, of course, you have to. You might not want to, but you have to,’ and that’s it.”
He also expressed concern to Obama about comedians altering their perspectives due to the political climate.
“It’s particularly disheartening when you see comedians who might not be doing well, deciding to adopt a MAGA persona in hopes of gaining support,” he continued.
Obama added that “it’s crucial for people to understand that for some individuals, this is merely a game or a hustle.”
Kimmel expressed gratitude towards podcasters who once supported Trump but have since acknowledged their mistakes.
“The cardinal rule of MAGA is to never admit when you are wrong,” Kimmel said.
