Jimmy Kimmel appeared visibly shaken on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Wednesday night as he addressed the election results that saw former President Donald Trump return to the White House in a historic comeback. Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris made him the second U.S. president to win non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland. For Kimmel, however, the results were a bitter pill to swallow.
Opening his monologue, Kimmel paused several times, seemingly on the verge of tears, as he lamented what he described as a “terrible night” for America. His emotional delivery underscored his dismay over Trump’s triumph, which was powered by a diverse coalition of voters across racial and socioeconomic lines.
Kimmel began by listing groups he believed were particularly impacted by Trump’s win. “Let’s be honest, it was a terrible night last night,” Kimmel said, pausing as he appeared to gather his composure. “It was a terrible night for women, for children, for the hundreds of thousands of hardworking immigrants who make this country go.”
He continued, his voice wavering: “For journalism, justice, science…for poor people, the middle class. For our allies in Ukraine…for the truth, for democracy.”
Kimmel also addressed Trump supporters directly, asserting that even those who voted for him would regret their decision. “It was terrible for those who voted against him, and guess what? It was a bad night for everyone who voted for him; you don’t realize it yet,” he said.
Clips of Kimmel’s emotional monologue quickly went viral, with one video shared by Libs of TikTok drawing widespread attention. The caption read, “Jimmy Kimmel is holding back actual tears lmaooo,” showcasing the divide in public opinion.
Jimmy Kimmel is holding back actual tears lmaooo 🤣 pic.twitter.com/ZsVootqJbr
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 7, 2024
While some viewers sympathized with Kimmel’s emotional reaction, others mocked his apparent distress, interpreting it as an over-the-top response to a legitimate election outcome.
Kimmel’s emotional monologue comes on the heels of a recent controversy involving a “joke” he made about voting that many conservatives found offensive.
“I don’t know if you guys know about this, but we have an election coming up,” Kimmel said last week. “If you can vote early, vote early; if you can’t vote early, vote on time. If you want to vote for Trump, vote late. Vote very late—do your voting on Thursday or maybe Friday.”
The comment, delivered with Kimmel’s signature deadpan humor, sparked outrage among Trump supporters, some of whom accused the comedian of attempting to suppress Republican voter turnout. Under federal law, spreading false information about voting times or locations is a serious offense. While Kimmel’s remarks were clearly intended as a joke, the backlash highlighted the tense political climate surrounding this election.
Kimmel’s disdain for Trump’s policies is no secret, and his latest remarks have fueled speculation about whether he might follow through on the common celebrity trope of “moving to Canada.” Over the years, numerous Hollywood figures have threatened to relocate if their preferred candidates lose, though few actually follow through.
However, Kimmel may find Canada’s political climate shifting as well. Conservative movements are gaining traction globally, and Canada’s own political landscape could soon be less appealing to those seeking refuge from right-wing victories.
Kimmel’s reaction reflects the deep divisions in American society, where political victories are often viewed through the lens of existential crises by those on the losing side. His tearful monologue serves as a microcosm of the broader cultural battle, where media figures, political commentators, and everyday citizens clash over the direction of the country.
For Trump and his supporters, the election results signify a vindication of their policies and a rebuke of the previous administration. For critics like Kimmel, however, it represents a step backward, one fraught with potential dangers for marginalized communities, international relations, and democratic norms.
As Trump prepares to take office again, the nation remains deeply polarized. Kimmel’s emotional response underscores the challenges of bridging the divide. His critics may scoff, but for his supporters, his words resonate as a call to action.
In the months ahead, both sides will need to grapple with the realities of Trump’s second term and find ways to engage in productive dialogue. Whether Kimmel’s emotional plea sparks meaningful conversations or simply fuels further polarization remains to be seen.
For now, his tearful monologue stands as a stark reminder of the high stakes and raw emotions driving America’s political discourse.
