Jimmy Kimmel Declares Victory Over President in Christmas Message

Key Takeaways

• Jimmy Kimmel delivered an alternative Christmas message on British public broadcaster Channel 4, counterprogramming to the British monarch’s annual address.
• Kimmel’s message focused on his battle with President Trump and the importance of free speech.
• He criticized Trump for attempting to silence him and praised the millions of people who supported him in the name of free speech.
• Kimmel apologized for the state of America and its democratic institutions, but encouraged viewers not to give up on the country.
• He signed a contract extension with ABC through May 2027, ensuring his late-night show will continue to air.

Introduction to Jimmy Kimmel’s Alternative Christmas Message
Jimmy Kimmel swapped his usual suit and late-night desk for a cardigan and Christmas living room scene as he shared an important holiday message with British viewers. In a bold move, Kimmel appeared on public broadcaster Channel 4 to deliver an "alternative Christmas message," counterprogramming to the British monarch’s annual televised address. This alternative message is a tradition that began in 1993, with past hosts including Edward Snowden, Jesse Jackson, and even a deepfake of Queen Elizabeth II. Kimmel’s message was a unique blend of humor and seriousness, as he tackled topics such as free speech, tyranny, and the state of America.

Kimmel’s Battle with President Trump
Kimmel’s message focused on his recent battle with President Trump, who had reveled in his talk show’s September suspension. Kimmel was benched for roughly a week after backlash to his comments about Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was killed. The Federal Communications Commission chair had also issued an ominous threat, which Kimmel attributed to the president’s desire to silence him. Kimmel had criticized MAGA supporters for attempting to "score political points" after Kirk’s death, and he also poked fun at Trump boasting about White House ballroom renovations after being asked about Kirk’s killing. In his alternative Christmas message, Kimmel addressed the president directly, saying "You may have read in your colorful newspapers my country’s president would like to shut me up because I don’t adore him in the way he likes to be adored."

The Importance of Free Speech
Kimmel’s message was not just about his personal battle with the president, but also about the importance of free speech. He attributed the return of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" to the "millions and millions of people" who fought to get him back on the air in the name of free speech. Kimmel praised these individuals for standing up for what they believe in and for supporting him in his time of need. He also took a swipe at the president, saying "And because so many people spoke out, we came back. Our show came back stronger than ever. We won, the president lost, and now I’m back on the air every night giving the most powerful politician on Earth a right, and richly deserved, bollocking." This statement was a testament to the power of free speech and the importance of standing up to those who would seek to silence others.

A Message of Hope and Apology
In addition to his criticism of the president, Kimmel also offered a message of hope and apology to the British viewers. He called the president "King Donny the 8th" and said "We don’t have a problem with your king, just the guy who thinks he’s our king." Kimmel apologized for the state of America and its democratic institutions, saying "Don’t give up on us. We’re going through a bit of a wobble right now, but we’ll come around." This message was a nod to the idea that even in difficult times, there is always hope for a better future. Kimmel’s apology was also a recognition that the current state of America is not what it should be, and that the country has a long way to go in terms of living up to its democratic ideals.

Conclusion and Future Plans
In conclusion, Jimmy Kimmel’s alternative Christmas message was a unique and powerful statement about the importance of free speech and the state of America. Kimmel’s battle with President Trump was a central theme of the message, and he praised the millions of people who supported him in the name of free speech. Kimmel also apologized for the state of America and its democratic institutions, but offered a message of hope and encouragement to the British viewers. As for his future plans, Kimmel recently signed a contract extension with ABC through May 2027, ensuring that his late-night show will continue to air for years to come. This contract extension is a testament to Kimmel’s enduring popularity and his commitment to speaking truth to power, even in the face of adversity.