Jimmy Kimmel Attacks Trump Again
Late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel returned to the Oscars stage Sunday night — and quickly stirred controversy with several political jokes aimed at President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and even a major television network.
Kimmel, who has hosted the Academy Awards four times and leads the late-night program Jimmy Kimmel Live!, appeared during the ceremony in Los Angeles to present awards in two documentary film categories. But instead of focusing only on the awards, the comedian used his time on stage to deliver several remarks that touched on politics, media influence, and free speech.
The comments drew laughter and applause from portions of the Hollywood audience — but they also added another chapter to Kimmel’s long-running feud with President Trump.
Kimmel Raises Free Speech Joke During Oscars
While introducing the documentary categories during the ABC broadcast, Kimmel began by discussing the risks some filmmakers take when documenting controversial issues.
“We hear people talk about courage at events like this,” Kimmel told the crowd. “But telling a story that could get you killed is real courage.”
He then turned the moment into a joke about censorship and political pressure.
“There are some countries where the leaders don’t support free speech,” Kimmel said. “I probably shouldn’t say which ones.”
After pausing for effect, he delivered the punchline.
“Let’s just say North Korea… and CBS.”
The remark drew applause inside the theater.
The joke appeared to reference recent controversy surrounding CBS’s corporate leadership. Billionaire Oracle CEO Larry Ellison — widely viewed as a political ally of President Trump — purchased Paramount, the parent company of CBS, last year.
Since that acquisition, some liberal media critics have argued the network could shift its direction to align more closely with Ellison’s business interests, though CBS leadership has not confirmed any political changes.
Melania Trump Targeted in Documentary Joke
Kimmel continued his commentary by praising documentary filmmakers who risk personal safety to tell difficult stories.
“Thankfully there’s an international community of filmmakers dedicated to telling the truth,” Kimmel said. “Many of them take real risks to expose injustice and inspire action.”
But the comedian quickly pivoted back to political humor.
“And then there are documentaries where you walk around the White House trying on shoes,” he joked.
The line appeared to reference Melania Trump’s Amazon documentary “Melania,” released earlier this year, which included several scenes highlighting the First Lady’s fashion choices.
Another Joke About President Trump
After presenting the Oscar for Best Documentary Short Film to All the Empty Rooms — a film focused on the bedrooms of school shooting victims — Kimmel returned to the stage to introduce the Best Documentary Feature Film category.
Before announcing the nominees, he made another joke referencing the president.
“Oh man,” Kimmel said, pausing briefly.
“Is he going to be mad his wife didn’t get nominated for this?” he added, prompting another round of laughter from the audience.
Long-Running Feud Between Kimmel and Trump
Kimmel’s remarks were the latest example of the ongoing public feud between the late-night host and President Trump.
For years, Kimmel has regularly criticized Trump during his television monologues, while the president has fired back with criticism of Kimmel on social media.
The rivalry even spilled onto the Oscars stage in 2024. During that ceremony, Kimmel read one of Trump’s social media posts criticizing him as a host.
Kimmel then read aloud a social media post that asked whether the Oscars had ever had a worse host than him.
After finishing the quote, Kimmel responded with a jab of his own directed at the president.
“Isn’t it past your jail time?” he said.
Hollywood and Politics Continue to Collide
Moments like Sunday’s appearance show how the Oscars — traditionally focused on film and entertainment — continue to serve as a platform for political commentary in Hollywood.
For supporters and critics alike, the exchange highlights the growing divide between the entertainment industry and conservative political figures, including President Trump.
And as Hollywood’s biggest night continues blending awards with political humor, it’s likely the tension between entertainment and politics will remain a headline-making part of the Oscars for years to come.
