Jimmy Kimmel appears to relish in his own theatrical misery following Donald Trump’s unexpected election victory. The late-night host, known for his left-wing rants, took to the airwaves to deliver a forced monologue highlighting what he deemed to be calamity for numerous groups, from immigrants to journalists. With a flair for the dramatic, Kimmel fought back tears as he lamented the “terrible night” for all those who supposedly would suffer under a Trump administration, managing to milk sympathy from his audience in the process.
Kimmel’s tragic performance painted a bleak picture, where women, children, and even hardworking immigrants are cast as victims in a narrative only he seems to fully embrace. His moment of reflection faltered as he waved his hands dramatically, proclaiming that not only would this be a bad night for Trump’s opponents, but even those who voted for him would come to realize they made a grave error—although who knew a comedian could predict voter remorse with such conviction? Kimmel’s monologue could have benefited from some light-hearted jokes instead of a guilt trip about everything from healthcare to “free speech” — apparently, things were going to be so dire that the world might self-destruct overnight.
Jimmy Kimmel tears up while talking about Donald Trump’s victory, but now we need to move forward and once we are done with this guy, we will be done. pic.twitter.com/0CRPHBLHVD
— Bad Press (@bptnetwork) November 7, 2024
As Hollywood’s elite collectively gawked at the results, there was a distinct air of desperation among Democrats seeking scapegoats for their loss. High-profile party members, probably still in shock, took their grievances to Politico, engaging in finger-pointing that could rival any schoolyard dispute. The likes of Jim Manley were heard to suggest that Joe Biden should never have dared to run. Talk about throwing your own under the bus; this is the kind of backstabbing action that makes reality TV look like a tea party.
Meanwhile, insiders like George Clooney and Rob Reiner, who once hailed Biden as the savior of their political dreams, openly questioned the wisdom of supporting a second term for the beleaguered president. Clooney’s op-ed calling for Biden to step aside landed with all the subtlety of a cannonball, reinforcing the growing sentiment that Biden’s tenure was about as popular as a leaky boat in a downpour. No need for a poll; just step outside the protected bubble of Hollywood to see how that sentiment plays with the American public.
Despite Kimmel’s apparent woes about a Trump presidency, one thing is crystal clear: his show will likely become a ratings juggernaut as he continues to fling insults from his cushy studio. The prospect of yet another term for Trump may leave Kimmel rattled, but the comedic gold mine of mocking the President will undoubtedly keep his audience tuned in. Perhaps the most telling sign of Kimmel’s true intentions lies in his lighthearted request to share a jail cell with Taylor Swift—a stark juxtaposition to the political apocalypse he predicted, showcasing the reality of Hollywood’s penchant for melodrama wrapped in a dashed reality check.