Backlash erupted after late-night host Jimmy Kimmel used a Christmas address in the United Kingdom to criticize the United States and President Donald Trump. The remarks aired as part of Channel 4’s annual “Alternative Christmas Message,” a counter to the BBC’s traditional Royal Christmas address, and quickly drew criticism from political commentators and media figures.
During the speech, Kimmel told the British audience that “tyranny is booming over here” in the United States. He went further, apologizing on behalf of Americans by saying, “We are not bright. We’re Americans.” Kimmel repeatedly targeted President Donald Trump, claiming the president wanted to silence him because he does not “adore him in the way he likes to be adored.”
RealClearPolitics co-founder Tom Bevan dismissed the comments as contradictory. Bevan called Kimmel “among the most insufferable Trump haters in America” and questioned the logic of the claims. “There’s a real contradiction there. If tyranny is booming, how can his show be doing so well?” Bevan said on America’s Newsroom. He added, “That seems like a free America.”
The backlash intensified online, where critics noted Kimmel’s decision to lecture Britain while ignoring free speech concerns there, including arrests over social media posts. Others pointed to Kimmel’s continued access to national television as evidence undercutting his argument.
Earlier this year, Disney briefly pulled Kimmel’s show after comments related to the killing of Charlie Kirk, prompting several local broadcasters to stop airing the program. Kimmel later returned, saying he did not intend to make light of the incident. While the controversy boosted ratings temporarily, Bevan noted that late-night comedy has suffered long-term declines.
Despite ongoing criticism, ABC recently extended Kimmel’s contract through 2027.
