Robert De Niro Surprises Audiences with Cameo on Jimmy Kimmel’s Return

Robert De Niro made a shocking appearance during Jimmy Kimmel’s highly anticipated return to his late-night show this past Tuesday. De Niro impersonated the fictional new chairman of Donald Trump’s FCC, showcasing his comedic prowess in a satirical take on the current political climate.

Following Kimmel’s heartfelt monologue as he made his emotional comeback to the screen, he introduced the audience to FCC chair Brendan Carr, whom he expected to join him live from Washington, D.C. Much to everyone’s surprise, it was De Niro in character, portraying a “mafioso” FCC chairman who blatantly threatened free speech on behalf of the former president.

“So you tell Whoopi over there, she better show a little respect or the only view she’s getting is from under George Washington. The bridge, not the guy,” De Niro quipped, referencing “The View” host Whoopi Goldberg. This was a pointed jab at her show’s prior silence regarding Kimmel’s recent suspension, which was because of Carr’s threats against Disney and ABC.

When Kimmel questioned if he was indeed threatening Goldberg, De Niro coolly replied, “I would never threaten Miss Goldstein. I was just teaching a lesson about consequences.”

Kimmel then seized the moment to criticize the apparent use of mob tactics by the FCC to silence free speech. “Pardon me for saying, and maybe you’re the wrong guy to talk to, but it seems like the FCC is using mob tactics to suppress free speech,” he remarked, reminding De Niro, the supposed chairman, that the FCC could impose fines for profanity on air.

De Niro went off on a hilariously expletive-filled rant, declaring, “What the fuck did you just say to me? I am the fucking FCC. I can fucking say whatever the fuck I want. Look. It’s just me, Jimmy, the chairman of the FCC, gently suggesting that you gently shut the fuck up.”

He added a provocative twist, stating, “Speech, it ain’t free no more. We’re charging by the word now.” When Kimmel inquired about the charges, De Niro explained, “Depends on what you want to say. Like if you want to say something nice about the president’s beautiful, thick, yellow hair or how he can do his makeup better than any broad, that’s free. But if you want to do a joke like he’s so fat he needs two seats on the Epstein jet, that’s gonna cost you.”

To see this unforgettable segment, watch the full video below.