Jimmy Kimmel Thanks ‘Donald Jennifer Trump’ in Hilarious Critics Choice Awards Joke
Jimmy Kimmel had the audience laughing during his Critics Choice Awards 2026 acceptance speech for Best Talk Show Host. The late-night star couldn’t resist poking fun at President Donald Trump while thanking him for his “help.”
“I want to thank our president, Donald Jennifer Trump, without whom we’d be going home empty-handed tonight,” Kimmel joked, adding, “So thank you, Mr. President, for all the many ridiculous things you do each and every day.”
Jimmy Kimmel roasts Donald Trump after winning the #CriticsChoiceAward for Best Talk Show:
— Variety (@Variety) January 5, 2026
"And most of all, I want to thank our president, Donald Jennifer Trump, without whom, we would be going home empty handed tonight. So thank you, Mr. President, for all the many ridiculous… pic.twitter.com/kpEc8JZTa9
Kimmel, 58, has built a career on making Trump and his administration the target of his humor. His comments on the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk in September briefly got him pulled off the air by ABC’s parent company, Disney. The suspension lasted six days, after which Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned to strong ratings as viewers tuned in to see the aftermath of the controversy.
During his speech, Kimmel didn’t stop with the jokes. He mocked the president again by glancing at his Critics Choice Award and saying it wasn’t the “FIFA World Peace Prize” that Trump allegedly received.
The host also used the moment to highlight the importance of free speech. “Thanks to all the writers and actors and producers and union members, many of you who are in this room, who supported us, who really stepped forward with us and reminded us that we do not take free speech for granted in this city or in this country,” Kimmel said. “Your actions were important, and we appreciate them.”
Despite the humor, Kimmel’s speech balanced comedy with a serious reminder about the role of artists and journalists in defending free expression. The show resumes Monday, Jan. 5, promising more laughs and commentary on the cultural headlines that continue to shape America.
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