Late-Night Firestorm: Jimmy Kimmel Responds to Trump’s Latest Attack as Media Tensions Hit New Highs

A Morning Phone Alert Sparks Another National Debate

Jimmy Kimmel says he woke up to a headline no late-night host expects: the President of the United States publicly calling for him to be fired—again.
According to Kimmel, the message came straight from his wife, phone in hand, reading aloud a new social post from Donald Trump declaring: “You should be fired again.”

But instead of panic, Kimmel says he went downstairs and made bagels for his kids.
Within hours, the clip went viral, and a familiar media-political confrontation reignited.

Trump’s Post Targets Kimmel Minutes After His Show Airs

Trump’s message appeared only 11 minutes after the East Coast broadcast ended, suggesting he was watching live. Kimmel addressed him directly:
“Thanks for watching us on TV instead of on YouTube.”

Trump’s post criticized Kimmel’s ratings, accused ABC of bias, and ended with: “Get the bum off the air.”
Kimmel’s response: “I’m the bum.”

A Long-Running Feud Escalates Again

Kimmel reminded viewers that this was not the first complaint.
“I’ve lost count of how many times he’s tried to get me fired,” he said. “If a neighbor sent this many threats, you’d get a restraining order.”

He added that Trump has demanded his removal roughly every five weeks.
The ongoing hostility, according to Kimmel, has even involved pressure campaigns aimed at TV networks.

Concerns Over Political Influence in the Media

Kimmel referenced new reports involving tech billionaire Larry Ellison—one of the largest shareholders in Paramount and reportedly interested in purchasing CNN.
According to The Guardian, Ellison had a call with the White House during which firing certain CNN hosts was discussed.
Kimmel joked that Trump seemed to imagine a world where he could “choose your own news anchor.”

He quipped:
“Goodbye Wolf Blitzer. Hello Dog the Bounty Hunter.”

Newsmax and the Media Echo Chamber

Kimmel played a clip from Newsmax defending Trump from speculation regarding the Epstein documents.
One commentator’s argument—that “we would have seen it by now”—led Kimmel to mock the repeated misuse of the word “divulge.”
He compared the moment to a “choose-your-own-English” class.

Kimmel Presses On: What Triggered Trump This Time?

Kimmel said he wasn’t sure which joke set Trump off, though he suggested Trump’s exclusion from Dick Cheney’s memorial event might have contributed.
He referenced Cheney’s long-publicized criticism of Trump, calling it a sign of deep national division.

The Epstein Files: A New Political Flashpoint

Kimmel highlighted Trump’s public celebration of signing a bill to release the Epstein documents.
He aired a satirical clip of the signing ceremony, mocking the strange tone of the event and the grandiose language used.

He noted the Justice Department now has 30 days to release the files—fueling speculation about what could emerge and how it may affect multiple public figures.

Growing Concerns Over Presidential Orders

In a separate development, six Democratic lawmakers who served in the military or intelligence released a video reminding service members they are not required to obey illegal commands.
Their message sparked immediate backlash from Trump, who wrote that their words represented “dangerous behavior” and used the term “sedicious”—a misspelling of “seditious.”

Kimmel reacted:
“He all-capsed his pants on this one.”

Press Secretary Spars With Reporters

Tensions rose further during a White House press briefing when Trump’s press secretary was asked whether Trump wanted to execute members of Congress.
Her one-word answer: “No.”

Later, she defended Trump referring to a reporter as “Piggy,” saying the President is “frank and honest,” and voters appreciate that.

Melania’s Speech Slip Goes Viral

While Trump clashed with critics, the First Lady made headlines separately when addressing a Marine Corps audience.
Her mispronunciation—“United States Marine Corpse”—immediately spread across the internet.
Kimmel joked it was a “silent ‘p,’ like when your husband…,” cutting himself off mid-punchline.

A High-Stakes White House Meeting on the Horizon

Kimmel noted that Trump is set to meet with New York City’s incoming mayor, whom Trump called a “communist.”
Kimmel described the upcoming meeting as “the MAGA gorilla meets the ultra-liberal mayor,” joking that the mayor’s charisma might land him a spot on Trump’s “next-wife shortlist.”

FCC Review Adds Another Layer of Tension

In closing, Kimmel delivered his weekly “Unnecessary Censorship” segment—a long-running satire that humorously bleeps and blurs content.
But he made sure to give a special “hello” to those watching from the FCC, joking that regulatory scrutiny has become a routine part of his job.

A Political-Entertainment Feud That Keeps Growing

The Kimmel–Trump feud is no longer just about jokes.
It now involves media corporations, federal regulators, billionaire investors, and debates over press freedom.

And if Kimmel’s prediction is right—Trump “taking it up to 11” in the next 30 days—this fight is far from over.