Jimmy Kimmel Fires Back After Trump Mocks Him in ‘Late Night Sweepstakes’ Jab

The war of words between former President Donald Trump and late-night hosts just got a new chapter — and Jimmy Kimmel isn’t holding back.

After Trump posted a scathing message on Truth Social, mocking CBS’ cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and suggesting Kimmel was “next to go in the untalented ‘Late Night Sweepstakes,’” the ABC host wasted no time delivering a savage response during Monday night’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live.

“Wow,” Kimmel opened with mock astonishment. “Donald Trump took a break from his 42 felony counts and third-tier rally circuit to come after me? That’s rich. Almost as rich as the hush money payments he forgot to report on his taxes.”

Trump’s Jab Sparks Backlash and Laughter

Trump’s post, which many viewed as gloating, read in part:

“Stephen Colbert canceled — finally! He was never funny. Next up in the Late Night Sweepstakes: Jimmy Kimmel. No talent. No ratings. No chance.”

The former president has long had a bitter relationship with late-night hosts, especially those who have mocked or criticized his policies, scandals, and personality during his time in office and beyond. Colbert, Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and others have often drawn Trump’s ire for their relentless satire — and it appears Trump sees Colbert’s cancellation as a personal win.

But Kimmel wasn’t about to let that narrative take hold.

“You know, it’s funny,” he said during his monologue. “Trump thinks The Late Show being canceled means he’s winning. But here’s the thing: Colbert had higher ratings than Fox News half the time. Meanwhile, you’re out here selling gold sneakers and Bibles with your face on them.”

Kimmel Turns the Tables: “You’re the Joke, Donald”

Kimmel escalated the heat by highlighting Trump’s own recent public gaffes — including forgetting the name of the country he was visiting and slurring through rally speeches.

“If I’m next to go, it’ll be because I called in sick — not because I lost to Joe Biden by 7 million votes and tried to blame a voting machine.”

He also took aim at Trump’s repeated attempts to dismantle democracy through “Truth Social tantrums,” comparing the platform to “a conspiracy-themed Yelp for washed-up politicians.”

The crowd roared as Kimmel closed with a final burn:

“If I’m next, fine. But if it means I don’t have to talk about you every night for another four years, it might just be worth it.”

Late-Night Hosts Close Ranks

Following the dust-up, fellow late-night hosts rallied around both Kimmel and Colbert. Seth Meyers tweeted, “If Trump says you’re not funny, that probably means you’re doing something right.” Meanwhile, John Oliver offered a more tongue-in-cheek response: “The only sweepstakes Trump ever won was the ‘Most Indicted President in U.S. History’ prize.”

Colbert Stays Quiet — For Now

While Colbert has yet to respond publicly to Trump’s comments or the cancellation of The Late Show, sources close to the host say he is weighing multiple post-CBS offers — and may even go independent with a new platform that would allow for even more creative freedom.

“Stephen doesn’t need a network to stay relevant,” one insider said. “He just needs a camera and a desk.”

The Bigger Picture: Comedy vs. Trump, Round Two

As the 2026 presidential election looms and Trump ramps up his media appearances, tensions between him and late-night comedians are only expected to intensify. And if Kimmel’s latest response is any indicator, comedy isn’t backing down.

“Trump calls us untalented,” Kimmel said, raising an eyebrow. “Yet he still can’t get through a speech without sounding like he’s reading a Denny’s menu in a hurricane.”

Whether you love late-night or loathe it, one thing’s clear: Donald Trump just picked another fight — and Jimmy Kimmel is ready to go the full twelve rounds.