Jimmy Kimmel announced on Monday night that he’s staying with ABC through May 2027. The news came right after President Donald Trump called him a “horrible” TV host at a Saturday event for the Kennedy Center Honors. Kimmel didn’t let the comment slide and fired back during his show.
Trump criticized Kimmel over the weekend while attending events in Washington D.C., including the Kennedy Center Honors and the FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw. The president had bragged about being the first president to host the Kennedy Center Honors. Kimmel pointed out how strange that was during his Monday night show.
“He’s been boasting about hosting, saying, ‘We’ve never had a president host the Kennedy Center Honors before,’ which, yeah, why do you think that is?” Kimmel said, according to Variety. “We’ve also never had Neil Patrick Harris order a military strike on a fishing boat before.” He also joked about Trump’s obsession with him. “I thought we were friends. I’m starting to think he’s got a crush on me,” he joked.
Kimmel turned Trump’s insult into a contract announcement
Later in the show, Kimmel told the audience at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood about his contract extension. He joked that he wanted to “spend less time with my family” and would continue hosting until 2027 “or until the world ends, whichever comes first.”
“I’m honored and humbled to be a part of your routine. Whether it’s in bed at night, or during your morning toilet time,” Kimmel said. The comment about family time struck a different chord than a son’s wholesome surprise for his hardworking mom, but it got laughs from the crowd. “It means a lot to me to have your attention and to work with this great group of people for another year.” His previous contract was set to end in 2026.
Kimmel confirmed the news on Instagram Monday afternoon with a post saying, “I am pleased to announce another no-talent year!” The phrase “no-talent” is one Trump often uses when attacking late-night hosts who criticize him. Trump regularly goes after Kimmel on Truth Social, especially after the host makes jokes about him on air.
The two have had an ongoing feud for years. In November, Kimmel said Trump “loses his mind” whenever reporters ask about his connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The next night, Trump responded on Truth Social, asking why ABC keeps Kimmel on the air despite his “NO TALENT and VERY POOR TELEVISION RATINGS.”
Kimmel’s relationship with ABC has also had rough patches. In September, the network pulled “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” off the air for several days after two major TV station owners, Nexstar and Sinclair, complained about comments Kimmel made on air about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The situation was uncomfortable for everyone involved, much like a shopper’s terrifying discovery at Albertsons that left them feeling sick.
Published: Dec 9, 2025 10:36 am