Jimmy Kimmel UK Christmas Message Targets Trump

Jimmy Kimmel appeared on British television station Channel 4 on Thursday to deliver the network's annual alternative Christmas message. The talk show host utilized the broadcast to criticize President Donald Trump and the current state of American politics.

Kimmel's message included a warning to viewers regarding the situation in the United States, stating that 'tyranny is booming over here.' His appearance on the UK network follows a significant period of controversy for the host, specifically regarding his suspension from ABC earlier in the year. The segment served as a twist on the traditional Royal Christmas message, offering a satirical perspective on transatlantic relations.

Kimmel took the opportunity to address the audience directly, acknowledging his potential lack of recognition while immediately pivoting to the political landscape in the United States. He characterized the past year through a specific lens, stating, 'I do know what's going on over here, though, and I can tell you that from a fascism perspective, this has been a really great year. Tyranny is booming over here.'

The host specifically targeted President Donald Trump regarding freedom of speech. Kimmel asserted that the President's motivations were personal rather than political, saying, 'My country's president would like to shut me up because I don't adore him in the way he likes to be adored.' He contrasted his return to the airwaves with the President's political standing, noting, 'We won, the president lost, and now I'm back on the air every night.'

Kimmel also provided a grim assessment of the current political environment in the US, describing it as a 'right mess.' He elaborated on the severity of the situation, claiming, 'We are both figuratively and literally tearing down the structures of our democracy.' Despite this, he offered a message of resilience to the international audience.

The year 2025 has been described as 'bumpy' for Jimmy Kimmel, largely due to a suspension by ABC in September. The network pulled his show 'indefinitely' following comments he made regarding the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision to suspend one of the longest-running late-night programs sparked immediate backlash from many in Hollywood and became a focal point in the ongoing debate regarding freedom of speech.

The suspension was reportedly influenced by public criticism from FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, who warned that affiliate broadcast licenses could face review. However, the backlash against the decision was swift. Within a week of the suspension, Disney, the parent company of ABC, announced that Kimmel would be returning to the air.

Following his return, Kimmel secured his position for the foreseeable future. Earlier in the month, he signed a one-year extension to remain on the 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' show. This deal extends his tenure through May 2027, ensuring his continued presence on late-night television.

The decision to select Kimmel for the alternative Christmas message was driven by his unique position in American media. Ahead of the broadcast, a spokesperson for Channel 4 released a statement explaining the choice. They noted that 'Donald Trump's return to the White House and wide ranging impact on the world has been the story of 2025.'

The network further emphasized Kimmel's relevance to the current media climate, stating, 'it would be hard to think of a better person to address it than Jimmy Kimmel, who has found himself on the frontline of America's battle over free speech.' Kimmel concluded his message with a plea to British viewers to remain patient with the United States. He asked the audience not to 'give up on us' and requested a timeline of 'about three years' for the country to resolve its internal issues.