In a moment that quickly went viral across social media and news outlets, former President Donald Trump found himself at the center of an unexpected on-stage roast during the 96th Academy Awards. Hosted by comedian Jimmy Kimmel, the Oscars ceremony took an unscripted turn when Kimmel decided to read aloud a scathing review Trump had posted on his Truth Social platform just moments earlier. The exchange, which unfolded live in front of millions of viewers, highlighted the ongoing tension between the two figures and added a layer of political drama to Hollywood’s biggest night.
The incident occurred near the end of the broadcast, as the show was wrapping up its presentations and preparing for the final awards. Trump, apparently watching from home, took to his social media account to criticize Kimmel’s hosting performance. In his post, Trump wrote: “Has there EVER been a WORSE HOST than Jimmy Kimmel at The Oscars. His opening was that of a less than average person trying too hard to be something which he is not, and never can be. Get rid of Kimmel and perhaps replace him with another washed up, but cheap, ABC ‘talent,’ George Slopanopoulos. He would make everybody on stage look bigger, stronger, and more glamorous. Also a really bad politically correct show tonight, and for years – Disjointed, boring, and very unfair. Why don’t they give the Oscars to those that deserve them. Maybe that way their audience and TV ratings will come back from the depths. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Kimmel, known for his quick wit and willingness to engage in celebrity feuds, didn’t let the opportunity pass. With the audience in the Dolby Theatre erupting in laughter and gasps, he addressed the camera directly: “I’ve just got a review from former President Trump.” He proceeded to read the entire post verbatim, pausing for comedic effect as the crowd reacted. Then, delivering the punchline that would dominate headlines for days, Kimmel quipped, “Thank you, President Trump. Thank you for watching. I’m surprised you’re still… isn’t it past your jail time?”
The remark was a clear nod to Trump’s ongoing legal battles, including multiple indictments and court appearances at the time. The audience’s response was immediate—cheers, applause, and a mix of shock rippled through the theater. Viewers at home took to platforms like Twitter (now X) and Instagram to share clips, with hashtags such as #TrumpOscars and #KimmelRoastsTrump trending within minutes. This real-time humiliation underscored how social media can amplify celebrity-political crossovers, turning a glamorous awards show into a battleground for personal jabs.
The feud between Trump and Kimmel isn’t new. It dates back to Trump’s presidency, when Kimmel frequently used his late-night show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” to lampoon the former president’s policies, statements, and personal life. Trump, never one to shy away from responding to critics, has repeatedly targeted Kimmel, calling him “terrible” and “unfunny” in various posts and interviews. For instance, during Trump’s time in office, his administration reportedly contacted Disney executives—ABC’s parent company—to complain about Kimmel’s monologues, requesting they be toned down. Kimmel later revealed this on his show, turning it into yet another comedic segment.
In the lead-up to the Oscars, speculation was rife about whether Kimmel would address Trump, given the former president’s high-profile campaign for a political comeback. The awards show itself was already politically charged, with references to global issues like the war in Ukraine and domestic debates over diversity in Hollywood. Films like “Oppenheimer” and “Poor Things” dominated the night, but the Trump-Kimmel moment stole the spotlight from even the biggest winners.
Ratings for the Oscars have been a point of contention for years, with Trump often citing declining viewership as evidence of Hollywood’s disconnect from everyday Americans. Indeed, the 2024 ceremony drew about 19.5 million viewers, a slight uptick from previous years but still far below the highs of the 1990s. Trump has blamed “woke” culture and politically correct content for the drop, a sentiment echoed by some conservative commentators. However, supporters of the show argue that streaming services and changing viewing habits are the real culprits, not the content itself.
Following the broadcast, reactions poured in from both sides of the political spectrum. Conservative outlets and Trump allies dismissed Kimmel’s joke as lowbrow and disrespectful, with some calling it an example of liberal bias in entertainment. One prominent Fox News contributor remarked that the Oscars had become “just another platform for Trump-bashing,” suggesting it alienates half the country. On the other hand, liberal pundits praised Kimmel for his boldness, viewing the moment as a clever deflection of Trump’s criticism.
Trump himself responded the next day on Truth Social, doubling down on his critique. He called Kimmel’s hosting “a disaster” and claimed the show would have been better without him. Yet, the former president also seemed to relish the attention, as his post garnered millions of views and engagements. This back-and-forth has only fueled the ongoing narrative of Trump as a media-savvy figure who thrives on controversy.
Beyond the laughs, the incident raises broader questions about the intersection of politics and entertainment. In an era where late-night hosts like Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, and Seth Meyers regularly incorporate political satire, boundaries between comedy and commentary continue to blur. Trump’s frequent engagement with these figures—whether through tweets or public statements—keeps him in the cultural conversation, even outside of election cycles.
Kimmel, for his part, addressed the moment on his show the following week, explaining that he was advised backstage not to read Trump’s post. “They said, ‘Don’t read that,'” Kimmel recounted. “And I said, ‘Oh, now I have to.'” He joked that it was one of the highlights of the night, and ratings data showed a spike in viewership during that segment. This suggests that such unscripted moments can actually boost interest in awards shows, countering Trump’s narrative of decline.
The Oscars have a history of political moments, from Marlon Brando’s protest in 1973 to Michael Moore’s anti-war speech in 2003. Trump’s involvement, however, brings a modern twist, leveraging real-time social media to insert himself into the event. Analysts note that this strategy keeps his base energized while providing fodder for opponents.
As the dust settles, the Trump-Kimmel exchange serves as a reminder of how deeply polarized American culture remains. What started as a simple awards show critique escalated into a national talking point, illustrating the power of humor in political discourse. Whether viewed as harmless fun or a pointed jab, it’s clear that both men know how to command attention—and neither seems ready to back down.
In the grand scheme, this episode might be just another chapter in their long-running saga. Trump continues to dominate headlines with his political ambitions, while Kimmel maintains his spot as a staple of late-night TV. For fans of either, the real winner might be the audience, who got an unexpected dose of drama amid the glitz and glamour.
