A long-running public dispute between late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel and President Donald Trump's family intensified this week, following an on-air gaffe during a recent UFC event. The incident, which occurred Sunday night during the UFC Freedom 250 broadcast on President Trump's 80th birthday, saw commentator Jon Anik mistakenly introduce First Lady Melania Trump as "First Lady Ivanka" to the arena crowd. Kimmel quickly seized upon the error, using it as material for his ABC show's monologue.
"I’ve said if Ivanka weren’t my daughter, perhaps I’d be dating her." — President Donald Trump, The View, 2006
On his program, Kimmel aired the flubbed introduction, feigning surprise as he questioned, "The First Lady Ivanka? What?" He then delivered a pointed joke directed at President Trump, remarking, "I guess somebody’s birthday wish came true." This comment alluded to President Trump's past public statements regarding his daughter, Ivanka Trump, which have drawn criticism over the years. Notably, in a 2004 interview with Howard Stern, President Trump reportedly stated it was acceptable to refer to Ivanka as "a piece of a**." Another instance, from a 2006 appearance on The View, involved President Trump saying, "I’ve said if Ivanka weren’t my daughter, perhaps I’d be dating her," while sitting beside her.
This latest segment by Kimmel continues a pattern of commentary that has frequently provoked strong reactions from Trump supporters and administration allies. Earlier this year, in April, Kimmel faced significant backlash and renewed calls for his removal from network television after he compared First Lady Melania Trump's public demeanor to that of someone who exuded "a glow like an expectant widow." First Lady Melania Trump publicly responded to this particular joke, issuing a statement that characterized the comment as "hateful and violent." At the time, Kimmel defended his remarks, explaining them as commentary on the age difference between the President and the First Lady, combined with what he described as her generally reserved public presence.
The comedian's provocations have not been limited to the First Family. Just days before this week's monologue, Kimmel posted a sarcastic birthday message to his Instagram account, which mimicked a card President Trump was once reported to have written to Jeffrey Epstein approximately 23 years prior. President Trump has consistently denied this claim. The name of the disgraced financier, Jeffrey Epstein, has become a recurring subject in Kimmel's material, often surfacing in connection with public scrutiny over the administration's management of records related to Epstein’s case.
Kimmel's grievances extend beyond the Trump family and Epstein. He has also been a vocal critic of the administration, alleging that officials played a role in CBS's decision in July to cancel "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." In an interview with Vulture earlier this month, Kimmel explicitly shared his suspicions, stating, "We’re not just dying of natural causes. We’re being poisoned." Beyond high-profile political figures, Kimmel's show has also targeted others, including Spencer Pratt, a former reality television personality currently campaigning for mayor of Los Angeles, and Markwayne Mullin, who leads the Department of Homeland Security.
As of this report, a request for comment sent to the White House by the Daily Mail had not received a response. The extent to which Kimmel's controversial commentary will continue remains to be seen, particularly as his current contract with ABC is set to expire in May of next year, leaving the future of his show uncertain.
