In a bold departure from the usual holiday cheer, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel used Christmas Day to take direct aim at President Donald Trump, delivering what many viewers are describing as a “richly deserved bollocking.” Airing as part of the U.K.’s Channel 4 annual “Alternative Christmas Message,” Kimmel’s remarks were calm, pointed, and unapologetic, cutting through the festive atmosphere with a stark declaration: “We won, the president lost.”

The segment, which has since gone viral across social media platforms, saw Kimmel reflecting on recent events in American media and politics. “We won, the president lost, and now I’m back on the air every night giving the most powerful politician on Earth a right and richly deserved bollocking,” Kimmel said, his tone steady but laced with unmistakable resolve. The message was a clear reference to Trump’s ongoing calls for regulatory crackdowns on broadcasters and his criticisms of late-night shows like Kimmel’s own “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on ABC.

Kimmel’s appearance in the U.K. slot— a tradition that dates back to 1993 and has featured figures like Edward Snowden, Ali G, and even a deepfake Queen Elizabeth—came at a time when tensions between the media and the White House are running high. Just weeks ago, reports surfaced of Trump’s administration pushing for FCC investigations into networks he deems “biased,” with Kimmel often in the crosshairs for his frequent jabs at the president. In his message, Kimmel alluded to a recent “suspension” of his show, though details remain murky—some speculate it ties to a controversial episode earlier this year where Kimmel mocked Trump’s handling of a national security briefing.

What made Kimmel’s words land with such force wasn’t overt anger or holiday-themed satire, but the deliberate timing. While American airwaves were filled with feel-good specials, reruns of classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and messages of unity from figures like President Trump himself—who posted a Christmas tweet emphasizing “American greatness”—Kimmel opted for confrontation. “Here in America, tyranny is booming,” he continued, painting a picture of a media landscape under threat. “But we fought back, and we won. Free speech prevails.”

The clip exploded online almost immediately. By Boxing Day morning, it had amassed over 5 million views on YouTube and X (formerly Twitter), with hashtags like #KimmelChristmas and #PresidentLost trending globally. Supporters hailed it as a much-needed stand for journalistic freedom. “Finally, someone says it out loud on a holiday when everyone’s listening,” one X user posted, garnering thousands of likes. Media critics, including those from Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, praised the restraint: “No fireworks, just facts—and that’s what stings,” noted one review.

On the other side, critics blasted Kimmel for injecting politics into Christmas. Conservative outlets like Fox News ran segments questioning the appropriateness, with one host calling it “another liberal rant disguised as holiday wisdom.” Trump’s allies were quick to respond; a spokesperson for the president dismissed the message as “sour grapes from a failing comedian,” pointing to Kimmel’s ratings, which have dipped 12% this season amid broader cord-cutting trends. Trump himself hasn’t directly addressed the remarks yet, but his X feed on Christmas focused on positive messages, including well-wishes to military families and boasts about economic gains under his administration.

This isn’t Kimmel’s first rodeo with Trump. The feud dates back to 2018, when Kimmel mocked Trump’s intelligence on air, prompting the then-candidate to label him a “third-rate comedian.” Since Trump’s return to the White House in 2025, the barbs have intensified. Kimmel has dedicated multiple monologues to Trump’s policies, from immigration reforms to tech regulations, often blending humor with pointed critique. In one memorable segment last month, Kimmel quipped about Trump’s Twitter habits: “He’s tweeting more than ever—must be all that free time between golf swings.”

The Channel 4 slot provided Kimmel a unique platform, free from U.S. network constraints. Past messages have sparked controversy; in 2020, a deepfake of the Queen dancing went viral, while 2018’s message from a Parkland shooting survivor drew emotional responses. Kimmel’s entry fits the mold—provocative, timely, and unfiltered. “It’s a British tradition to offer an alternative view,” a Channel 4 spokesperson said in a statement. “Jimmy’s message resonates with global audiences concerned about free speech.”

Social media reactions highlight the divide. Progressive voices, including celebrities like Alyssa Milano and Mark Ruffalo, shared clips with captions like “Truth on Christmas—thank you, Jimmy!” Meanwhile, MAGA supporters flooded comment sections with accusations of “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” One viral thread on Reddit’s r/politics amassed over 10,000 upvotes, debating whether Kimmel’s words could influence U.S. policy or simply preach to the choir.

Beyond the immediate buzz, Kimmel’s message touches on broader issues plaguing American media. With trust in news at all-time lows— a 2025 Pew Research poll shows only 34% of Americans view major networks favorably—the host’s call for defending independent voices strikes a chord. Public broadcasting faces funding cuts, and private networks grapple with advertiser pullouts amid political pressures. Kimmel’s own show, renewed through 2027, has navigated these waters by leaning into live events and celebrity guests, but insiders say the “suspension” he mentioned was a brief hiatus due to advertiser concerns.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Kimmel’s Christmas jab didn’t fade with the holiday lights. It reignited debates about media’s role in democracy, free speech versus political loyalty, and whether late-night TV can still pack a punch in a streaming-dominated era. Ratings for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” are expected to spike in the coming weeks, as curious viewers tune in to see if the host doubles down.

Trump’s administration, meanwhile, continues its push for media accountability. Recent FCC proposals aim to curb “fake news,” though critics argue they border on censorship. Kimmel’s message serves as a reminder that voices like his aren’t going quiet anytime soon.

Whether you see it as heroic or divisive, Kimmel’s Christmas delivery ensured one outcome: People are talking. And in today’s media landscape, that’s the ultimate win.