The 2026 Critics Choice Awards saw a night full of celebration for the entertainment industry, but it was Jimmy Kimmel Live!’s win for Best Talk Show that turned heads — and not just for the award. As Kimmel took to the stage to accept the honor, he couldn’t resist a sharp jab at President Donald Trump, in his signature style.

In an acceptance speech that combined humor with a pointed critique of the former president, Kimmel turned the moment into a political roast, thanking Trump for “all the ridiculous things you do.” His comments quickly captured the attention of the room and the media, adding fuel to the already high-profile feud between the two figures.

The Moment That Stole the Spotlight

The Critics Choice Awards ceremony had been filled with moments of joy, but it was Kimmel’s off-the-cuff remarks that truly took center stage. Jimmy Kimmel Live! had been recognized as the Best Talk Show, and in his typically self-deprecating fashion, Kimmel turned the victory speech into an opportunity to take a playful, yet cutting, shot at Trump.

After thanking his team and the audience, Kimmel said, “I would like to thank President Trump for all the ridiculous things you do. Without that, I wouldn’t have a job. So, thank you!” The comment was met with laughter from the audience, a mixture of appreciation for the humor and recognition of the ongoing tension between Kimmel and Trump.

While Kimmel’s comment was made in jest, it was also a reflection of the years of public back-and-forth between the late-night host and the former president. Kimmel has frequently used his show to criticize Trump’s policies and behavior, and this acceptance speech was just the latest salvo in that ongoing political commentary.

A Long-Running Feud

The relationship between Kimmel and Trump has been anything but cordial. Over the years, Kimmel has used his late-night platform to criticize Trump’s policies, his demeanor, and his handling of various national issues. From calling out Trump’s rhetoric on immigration to his response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kimmel has never shied away from mocking the president.

Trump, in turn, has often responded in kind, calling Kimmel’s late-night show “fake news” and mocking him on social media. The two have engaged in a war of words that many fans of the show have followed closely. It’s no surprise, then, that Kimmel used his Critics Choice Award moment to turn the tables and take a dig at the former president.

For Kimmel, this wasn’t just about a humorous quip; it was a continuation of the political satire that has been a hallmark of his late-night program. His decision to publicly thank Trump — even sarcastically — is just another example of Kimmel using his platform to voice his opposition to the former president’s legacy.

A Bold Move in a Political Climate

In the current climate, where political divisions seem to be growing wider by the day, Kimmel’s decision to openly lampoon Trump during such a prestigious event speaks to the power of celebrity influence in shaping political discourse. Kimmel’s audience, a mix of entertainment industry professionals and fans from around the world, is diverse, and his comments reflect a larger trend of celebrities using their platform to speak out on political issues.

Kimmel’s roast of Trump wasn’t the only instance of political humor at the Critics Choice Awards. Many celebrities have used their acceptance speeches and moments on stage to address political issues, from climate change to social justice. However, Kimmel’s interaction with Trump has taken on a personal tone, given the long history of public jabs between the two men.

Trump’s Reaction to the Roast

As of now, Trump has not publicly commented on Kimmel’s remarks at the Critics Choice Awards. Historically, Trump has responded to Kimmel’s critiques with a mixture of mockery and disdain. He has regularly called Kimmel’s show out on Twitter, labeling him as “one of the most overrated TV hosts.”

Despite this, Kimmel’s influence continues to grow in late-night television, and his ability to blend comedy with political critique has earned him significant acclaim in the industry. His approach has sparked discussions about the role of late-night hosts in shaping public opinion and political dialogue.

The Ongoing Influence of Late-Night TV Hosts

Kimmel’s win and subsequent Trump roast also highlight the continued cultural relevance of late-night TV in America. Shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live! and others have become key players in political commentary, with hosts often serving as both entertainers and commentators on social issues.

Late-night hosts like Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, and Trevor Noah have similarly used their platforms to deliver political humor while also engaging with the news cycle. In a time when political polarization runs high, these hosts have become influential voices in shaping how the public views political figures, especially those in power.

Critics Choice Awards — A Night for the Industry

Despite the political undercurrent, the Critics Choice Awards ceremony was about more than just Kimmel’s political barbs. The event celebrated the best of television and film, with a number of shows and actors receiving accolades. Jimmy Kimmel Live!’s win was well-earned, recognizing the show’s continued success in delivering top-tier entertainment while also staying relevant in the modern political landscape.

As the night went on, Kimmel’s comedic roast of Trump became a talking point that transcended the awards themselves, sparking conversations about the role of comedy in political discourse and whether satire should serve as a vehicle for social change.

Looking Forward

With Kimmel’s latest win and his continued commentary on Trump and political issues, it’s clear that the relationship between late-night hosts and politics will continue to evolve. As Trump remains a polarizing figure, Kimmel’s role in critiquing his actions and policies will likely remain central to the comedic landscape.

Whether Kimmel’s roast will spark further back-and-forth between the two men remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Jimmy Kimmel Live! will continue to be a source of political satire, humor, and sometimes controversy, as long as the former president remains a key figure in American politics.