Jimmy Kimmel has built his late-night persona on mocking President Trump. At this year’s Creative Arts Emmys, he kept that streak alive while also brushing off any suggestion that he’s some noble figure “defending democracy.” Still, if his comments backstage sounded dismissive, his attitude showed the same smug self-satisfaction that has defined his Emmy-night politics for years.
A “Little Poke” at Trump
After picking up his fourth Emmy—this time for hosting Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (which has tanked in the ratings)—Kimmel was asked by reporters whether his Trump jokes amount to a defense of democracy. His response was telling.
Jimmy Kimmel in a promo ad for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
“Those are heavy thoughts—and I have a tendency to reject them,” he said. “I don’t really feel like I’m defending democracy. I’m giving this guy a little poke, and he deserves it, and I enjoy it, and I hope that people enjoy it too.”
For Kimmel, this wasn’t a moment of humility. He leaned into the idea that belittling the sitting president is something he enjoys—all delivered with his trademark smirk. It wasn’t about truth or principle, just entertainment at someone else’s expense.
Sticking With Colbert
Kimmel also doubled down on his public support for Stephen Colbert after CBS pulled the plug on The Late Show. To make his point, he even purchased a Los Angeles billboard declaring: “I’m voting for Stephen” in their Emmy category—urging voters to pick his friend over himself.
When President Trump took notice on Truth Social, hinting that Kimmel might be “next” to get axed, the ABC host couldn’t resist mocking him again.
“Oh, you delicate, chubby little teacup, did we hurt your feelings?” Kimmel, who is known to break down in tears when elections don’t go his way, said. “I thought you were against cancel culture.”
A screenshot of Jimmy Kimmel crying on TV after the election of Donald Trump – YouTube, Jimmy Kimmel Live
The response shows the game Kimmel plays: dismiss the “defending democracy” label in one breath while proudly flaunting his role as Trump’s late-night antagonist in the next.
Hollow Tribute
Kimmel did manage a brief moment of sincerity, dedicating his award to Regis Philbin, the original Millionaire host. But even that was overshadowed by the headlines about Trump jokes and political posturing. At an event meant to celebrate television’s best, the story inevitably became Kimmel vs. Trump…again.
The Future of Kimmel’s Show
Despite another Emmy win, the future of Jimmy Kimmel Live! looks uncertain. His contract runs through 2026, but Kimmel himself admits he often thinks about calling it quits.
Jimmy Kimmel reading tweets from President Trump at The Oscars – YouTube, New York Post
Ratings have never recovered from the heights of earlier years, and with much of his monologue built on partisan rants, many viewers have already tuned out.
The Takeaway
Kimmel may say he’s not “defending democracy,” but his smug grin makes clear he relishes the idea of being seen as Trump’s tormentor. That attitude has earned him applause in Hollywood circles but done little to broaden his audience.
Jimmy Kimmel speaks to Arnold Schwarzenegger on Jimmy Kimmel Live – YouTube, Jimmy Kimmel Live
When awards shows become less about entertainment and more about politics, it’s no wonder viewers are walking away. And Jimmy Kimmel’s performance at the Emmys showed exactly why late-night is struggling to matter in 2025.
Do you believe Jimmy Kimmel believes he’s defending democracy against President Trump? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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