Trump brags about Kennedy Center hosting gig, takes swipe at Jimmy Kimmel: 'I'm sure they'll praise me'

President Donald Trump quipped that if he cannot outperform comedian Jimmy Kimmel while hosting the Kennedy Center Honors, he might not deserve to hold office. Speaking during a Saturday ceremony in the Oval Office to present the 2025 honorees with their medals, Trump remarked, Ive seen some past hosts; Jimmy Kimmel was terrible. If I cant do better, maybe I shouldnt be president.

Trump is scheduled to host the star-studded event on Sunday, marking the first time a sitting president has taken on the role. Previous hosts have included legends like Leonard Bernstein, Glenn Close, and David Letterman. The awards celebrate contributions to American culture through the performing arts, with 2025 recipients including actor Sylvester Stallone and members of the rock band KISS.

Predicting the outcome of his hosting debut, Trump said, This will be the most-watched show theyve ever done. Im sure the reviews will be excellent. Some might call it terrible, but well do fine.

Trumps rivalry with Kimmel, the ABC late-night host, has been ongoing for years. Kimmel has mocked Trump in monologues, calling him a chubby little teacup and suggesting he showed signs of a stroke. Trump has repeatedly dismissed Kimmel as untalented, criticized his ratings, and called for his shows cancellation. Earlier this year, ABC temporarily suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! after controversial comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk, though the show returned a week later.

Kimmel has never hosted the Kennedy Center Honors, though he did appear on stage in 2012 to honor David Letterman.

Trump has been heavily involved with the Kennedy Center since returning to office in January, replacing its board of trustees with loyalists, including White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and assuming the role of chairman. He has criticized the centers programming as terrible and woke, claiming he influenced nearly all 2025 honoree selections, which include singers George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, and actor Michael Crawford. Trump stated that he declined several potential honorees for being too woke.

Sundays ceremony, which will be recorded and aired later in December, represents the culmination of Trumps hands-on control of the Kennedy Center and his first venture as a host of the prestigious event.

Author: Sophia Brooks