Donald Trump turned a somber moment into headline-making controversy on Sunday, using his remarks at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service to throw shade at late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
The former president was the final speaker at the nearly six-hour ceremony, held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, where thousands gathered to honor the life of the conservative activist. But instead of ending on a purely reflective note, Trump stirred up fresh drama by reviving his long-standing feud with Kimmel.
Trump’s Thinly Veiled Jab
Without mentioning Kimmel by name, Trump referenced the ABC host’s recent suspension in the wake of backlash over comments he made about the Kirk shooting.
“A canceled late night TV show where the anchor had no talent and no ratings,” Trump said, smirking as the crowd reacted.
The remark drew laughter from some attendees but also reignited debate online, as clips of Trump’s speech began circulating across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram within hours.
Why Kimmel Was Pulled Off Air
The background: ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” was recently suspended following public outrage over comments Kimmel made after the Charlie Kirk shooting. Trump’s FCC reportedly pressured Disney and ABC to pull the show after criticism mounted.
The decision divided Hollywood and Washington alike, sparking conversations about free speech, censorship, and accountability in entertainment.
Erika Kirk’s Powerful Moment
Just before Trump took the stage, Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, delivered an emotional message that moved many in the crowd.
She revealed that she had found forgiveness for her husband’s killer and even expressed love for her enemies, a moment that brought many attendees to tears.
Trump, however, couldn’t resist injecting a dose of his signature rhetoric—quipping at the start of his speech:
“I hate my opponent and I don’t want the best for them … Sorry Erika.”
The contrast between Erika’s grace and Trump’s blunt tone quickly became a talking point online.
Social Media Reacts
Fans and critics wasted no time weighing in:
- Some accused Trump of overshadowing the memorial with political jabs.
- Supporters defended his comments, saying he was simply “telling the truth” about Kimmel.
- Kimmel’s fans flooded social media with memes and hashtags like #StandWithKimmel and #TrumpShade.
One user wrote: “Only Trump could turn a memorial service into a late-night roast.”
A Longstanding Feud
Trump and Kimmel’s war of words goes back years. The late-night comedian has frequently mocked Trump on his show, while Trump has dismissed him as “talentless” and “not funny.”
Sunday’s memorial comments mark the latest escalation in a feud that has only grown more bitter with time.
What’s Next?
- Will ABC permanently cancel Jimmy Kimmel Live! or bring it back after the suspension?
- Will Kimmel fire back at Trump once he has a platform again?
- And will Trump continue making digs during such high-profile events?
For now, Trump’s jab ensured that the Charlie Kirk memorial—already an emotional event—became one of the most talked-about political-cultural moments of the week.
What do you think—was Trump out of line for bringing up Kimmel during a memorial? Or was it classic Trump just being Trump? Drop your thoughts below!