After Years of Mocking Donald Trump, Jimmy Kimmel Says He’d Welcome the Former President on His Late-Night Show — and Hollywood Can’t Believe It
In a revelation that caught both fans and critics off guard, Jimmy Kimmel has said he’s open to having former President Donald Trump appear as a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The statement came during Bloomberg Screentime, a high-profile media event at NYA Studios in New York that brought together pop culture leaders, media executives, and celebrities. Kimmel’s remarks quickly spread across social media, sparking a wave of mixed reactions — some praising his openness and others questioning his sincerity after years of public jabs aimed at Trump.
The longtime late-night host, known for his sharp humor and political commentary, has built much of his on-air persona around calling out powerful figures. But his long-running feud with Trump has been one of the most notable in modern entertainment. From monologues criticizing Trump’s policies to sketches lampooning his presidency, Kimmel has been both a vocal critic and, some might argue, one of Trump’s most persistent comedic adversaries. That’s why his latest statement felt almost like a truce in a cultural battle that’s lasted nearly a decade.
“I’d have him on,” Kimmel reportedly said when asked if he’d ever consider inviting Trump as a guest. “Why not? He’s a former president. It would be a fascinating conversation.” His tone, as described by attendees, was serious — not sarcastic. Those few words were enough to send entertainment outlets into a frenzy. Some interpreted it as Kimmel softening his stance amid shifting public moods. Others viewed it as a pragmatic move, recognizing the massive ratings boost that a Trump appearance would bring to any network television show.
Trump has not publicly responded to the offer, though insiders close to the former president told several outlets that he’s aware of Kimmel’s remarks. One longtime Trump aide reportedly said that while Trump “doesn’t forget insults easily,” he’s always open to using media platforms to reach people directly. That leaves open the question: could this actually happen?
For many Americans, it would be a surreal moment — a late-night reunion between two cultural titans who have come to represent opposite sides of the country’s political divide. Kimmel, the Hollywood liberal who once broke down in tears over healthcare policies on live TV. Trump, the conservative icon and master showman who turned political rallies into prime-time spectacles. The two sharing a stage would be more than just television — it would be history.
Analysts point out that the entertainment landscape has shifted dramatically since Trump left office. Ratings for political late-night comedy have dipped, while audiences increasingly crave authenticity over ideology. Inviting Trump might not just be about politics — it could be about survival in a competitive media environment where controversy still drives engagement. “It would be one of the highest-rated nights in television history,” one industry veteran told The Wrap. “People who love Trump would watch. People who hate him would watch. Everyone would tune in.”
Kimmel’s willingness to extend an olive branch — or at least a microphone — also reflects how Trump continues to dominate the cultural conversation, even out of office. Few public figures polarize or captivate audiences the way he does. For Kimmel, it might be a chance to show a different side — less as a critic and more as an interviewer, confronting a man he’s spent years mocking face-to-face.
Whether it ever happens remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: the idea alone has reignited interest in both men. For Trump supporters, it’s proof that even Hollywood’s most outspoken figures can’t ignore his impact. For others, it’s a potential moment of unity — or at least dialogue — in an era defined by division.
If the day ever comes when Donald Trump walks out to the applause of a studio audience and sits across from Jimmy Kimmel, millions will be watching, waiting to see whether sparks fly or if, for one night, entertainment and politics finally meet on equal ground.
