American talk show host Jimmy Kimmel has taken aim at Donald Trump in a brutal Christmas Day message after his controversial suspension.
American talk show host Jimmy Kimmel used his platform on British television to deliver a scathing critique of former U.S. President Donald Trump, describing 2023 as a “great year for fascism” in the United States. Kimmel’s remarks were part of Channel 4’s annual “alternative Christmas message,” a tradition that offers a counterpoint to the Queen’s Speech, now the King’s Speech, broadcast on Christmas Day.
The late-night host seized the opportunity to warn UK viewers about the rise of tyranny in the U.S., stating, “From a fascism perspective, this has been a really great year.” His comments come after his show faced suspension due to controversial remarks about Trump and conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kimmel’s Show Suspension and Return
Kimmel recounted the events leading to his show’s temporary removal from the airwaves, attributing the suspension to pressure from the U.S. Government. “You may have read in your colourful newspapers that my country’s President would like me to shut up because I don’t adore him in the way he likes to be adored,” he said. The suspension was lifted following public outcry, which Kimmel described as a “September Christmas miracle.”
He expressed gratitude to the “millions and millions of people” who defended his right to free speech, noting that even those who disliked his show supported his return. “Because so many people spoke out, we came back. Our show came back stronger than ever,” Kimmel added.
A Warning Against Government Censorship
Kimmel’s message to the British audience was clear: government censorship is not confined to authoritarian regimes. “That’s what we thought, and now we’ve got King Donny the Eighth calling for executions,” he joked, highlighting the irony of America’s founding principles being undermined by a leader with monarchical tendencies.
He reassured the audience that his criticism was not directed at the British monarchy, humorously noting, “Just for the record, we have nothing against your King. I don’t know if you know this, but his son lives here.”
The State of American Democracy
Reflecting on the broader implications of his experience, Kimmel painted a grim picture of the current state of American democracy. “Here in the United States, we are both figuratively and literally tearing down the structures of our democracy,” he said, citing threats to the free press, science, medicine, judicial independence, and even the White House itself.
“We are a right mess,” Kimmel declared, urging the UK not to lose faith in the U.S. “We are not all like (Mr Trump), we are not all like that.”
He concluded his message with a plea for patience from America’s allies, promising that the nation would eventually find its way back to its democratic ideals. “We’re always just a little late to the game but do we come through in the end? Maybe. Give us about three years. Thank you for your patience, and thank you for Spider Man.”
Background and Implications
Kimmel’s suspension followed his controversial comments made after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent MAGA figure, in Utah. The incident sparked a wider debate about the extent of government influence over media outlets and the boundaries of free speech.
At the time of Kimmel’s suspension, Trump praised ABC for “finally having the courage to do what had to be done” on Truth Social, further fueling the controversy. This development highlights ongoing tensions between media freedom and political power in the United States.
As Kimmel resumes his role on television, his message serves as a reminder of the fragile state of democratic institutions and the importance of vigilance in preserving free expression. The coming years will be critical in determining whether the U.S. can reconcile its democratic ideals with the challenges posed by political polarization and authoritarian tendencies.
