Jimmy Kimmel Questions Anti-Trump Jokes Defending Democracy

At the 2025 Creative Arts Emmy Awards, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel addressed questions about whether his frequent criticism of President Donald Trump constitutes 'defending democracy.' Kimmel rejected the idea, saying he simply enjoys 'giving this guy a little poke' and does not see his comedy as a serious defense of the country. Despite media outlets like Variety portraying Kimmel as a frontline defender of democracy, he distanced himself from that characterization, calling such thoughts 'heavy' and something he tends to reject. Critics argue that Kimmel's prominence is more about pushing political agendas than talent and dismiss the notion that entertainers like him play a critical role in defending democracy. Kimmel's show often ranks behind competitors in ratings, and his political involvement includes hosting fundraisers for President Joe Biden. The coverage also highlights media narratives suggesting Trump censors comedians, which lack evidence, as seen in the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's show and the continued airing of politically charged programs like 'South Park.'