Trump Criticizes Jimmy Kimmel as he Awards Kennedy Center Medals to Kiss and Sylvester Stallone

President Donald Trump took a jab at late-night host Jimmy Kimmel during a ceremony in the Oval Office on Saturday, where he presented this years Kennedy Center honors. The recipients include Sylvester Stallone, George Strait, KISS, Gloria Gaynor, and Michael Crawford.

Trump highlighted that he would be the first sitting president to host the awards ceremony at the Kennedy Center on Sunday. He also singled out Kimmel, one of his frequent targets, describing him as horrible.

Speaking about the upcoming event, Trump said, I look forward to celebrating with all of you at the Kennedy Center tomorrow. I believe this will be the highest-rated show theyve ever produced. Theyve had strong ratings before, but nothing compares to whats coming tomorrow night.

He continued by expressing gratitude to the honorees and the media, noting, I just want to thank you all, I want to congratulate you all, and I want to thank the media theyve treated this with such great respect. We very much appreciate it.

Trump also mentioned a special event at the State Department with Secretary of State Rubio, emphasizing that no previous president had hosted the Kennedy Center awards. This is a first, he said. Im sure theyll give me great reviews. They might say, He was horrible, but I think well do fine. Ive watched some of the hosts before. Jimmy Kimmel was horrible. If I cant outperform him in talent, I shouldnt be president.

The remark came months after Kimmel was briefly suspended in September for a comment regarding the individual who killed conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, which ABC affiliates and the FCC deemed controversial. The suspension lasted a few days and was later lifted.

Trump had previously announced in August that he would host the Kennedy Center awards. At that time, he recalled being persuaded by advisors, saying, I said, Im the president of the United States. Are you serious? They insisted it would boost ratings, and eventually, I agreed.

Author: Benjamin Carter