Trump Takes Aim at Jimmy Kimmel Ahead of Hosting the Kennedy Center Honors: “If I Can’t Beat Out Jimmy Kimmel, I Shouldn’t Be President”

In an unexpected turn of events, President Donald Trump made waves with his remarks about comedian Jimmy Kimmel just days before hosting the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors. Trump, who is set to take on the role of host for the first time in the ceremony’s history, boldly predicted that the upcoming broadcast, scheduled for December 23 on CBS and Paramount+, would break all records for the event. But it was his comments about Kimmel’s hosting skills that really caught the attention of both the media and his supporters alike.

At an event held the day before the Kennedy Center Honors, Trump expressed his excitement and confidence about his upcoming hosting gig. He was particularly enthusiastic about what he believed would be an unprecedented level of viewership. “I believe — and I’m gonna make a prediction — this will be the highest-rated show that they’ve ever done, and they’ve gotten some pretty good ratings, but there’s nothing like what’s gonna happen tomorrow night,” Trump said.

Trump’s remarks were a direct reflection of his usual confidence. He has always been known for his larger-than-life persona, often using bold predictions and statements to capture attention. By setting the bar high for the event’s viewership, he was signaling to audiences that the night would be something extraordinary. The Kennedy Center Honors, an annual gala that celebrates artistic achievements, has seen its fair share of memorable hosts and performers, but Trump’s involvement was seen as a game-changer for the broadcast.

A Historic First: Trump Hosts the Kennedy Center Honors

What made Trump’s hosting gig particularly noteworthy was the historical significance of the event. “We never had a president hosting the awards before. This is a first,” Trump proudly declared during his pre-event comments. This was not only a significant departure from tradition but also a move that brought political drama into the otherwise apolitical space of the Kennedy Center Honors.

The prestigious ceremony has traditionally been hosted by entertainers or respected figures from the arts world, such as the late Carol Burnett and previous host Stephen Colbert. Trump, however, was taking on a role that no sitting U.S. president had ever assumed before. His involvement in the event was seen as a bold departure from the norms of political decorum, adding a layer of controversy to an already highly scrutinized event.

Despite this, Trump exuded confidence, predicting that the event would exceed the viewership of past broadcasts. “I think you’re gonna see that at the end of this evening and by the end of these two days, you’re gonna say this is one of the most special days in your life,” he added, reinforcing his belief that the Kennedy Center Honors would go down in history as one of the most remarkable moments in the event’s storied past.

The Prediction: High Ratings Amid Media Skepticism

While Trump predicted a major ratings success for the broadcast, he was also quick to anticipate what he assumed would be the media’s reaction to his hosting performance. Known for his contentious relationship with the press, Trump predicted that the media would be less than enthusiastic about his performance. He sarcastically remarked, “I’m sure they’ll give me great reviews, right? You know, they’ll say, ‘He was horrible. He was terrible. It was a horrible situation.’”

Trump’s comments about the media’s likely response reflected the antagonistic dynamic he has long maintained with news outlets. As one of the most polarizing figures in modern politics, Trump has rarely shied away from criticizing the media, often casting any negative coverage as part of a broader effort to undermine him.

However, despite his mockery of the media’s potential response, Trump seemed confident that his performance would ultimately be a success. “No, we’ll do fine,” he asserted, signaling that he was unfazed by the prospect of negative reviews. Given his knack for commanding attention, it’s likely that Trump’s hosting job would generate a considerable amount of buzz, regardless of the outcome.

The Jab at Jimmy Kimmel: Trump’s Take on Late-Night Hosts

Amid the predictions and confident assertions, Trump also took a direct jab at late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, referencing the comedian’s past hosting performances at various major events. Kimmel, who has hosted the Academy Awards and the Emmys, was singled out by Trump when he compared his own talents as a host to Kimmel’s.

In a remark that caught many by surprise, Trump declared, “I’ve watched some of the people that host. Jimmy Kimmel was horrible, and some of these people, if I can’t beat out Jimmy Kimmel in terms of talent, then I don’t think I should be president.” This direct critique of Kimmel’s hosting abilities struck a chord with those who follow both figures. Kimmel has long been known for his humorous, often political late-night monologues, which regularly lampoon Trump. The fact that Trump would target Kimmel, a vocal critic, only added fuel to the fire of their ongoing public feud.

While Kimmel has never hosted the Kennedy Center Honors, he did make a brief appearance during the 2012 edition of the event as part of a tribute to the legendary TV host David Letterman. Despite Kimmel’s long-standing success in late-night television, Trump’s remark suggested that he believed he had what it took to outshine Kimmel and other hosts, emphasizing his own skills as a performer and communicator.

The Countdown to December 23: What to Expect

As the date of the Kennedy Center Honors approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be a unique and unforgettable broadcast. Trump’s involvement in the event is sure to be a major talking point, with viewers eager to see how the president performs in the role of host. Will his predictions about the event’s success come true? Will his hosting abilities win over critics, or will his jabs at Kimmel and the media dominate the conversation?

The broadcast will be recorded and aired on December 23 on CBS and Paramount+. As for Trump, his legacy as the first president to ever host the Kennedy Center Honors will undoubtedly be a point of contention, but it’s clear that he’s ready to make his mark—on this stage and beyond.