Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is once again at the center of political and entertainment headlines — but this time, he’s offering a surprising thank-you to none other than former President Donald Trump. Following a sharp increase in viewership, Kimmel took to social media and his own show to sarcastically credit Trump for the unexpected ratings surge.
“6.7 million viewers last night — thanks to you, Mr. Trump!” Kimmel said during Tuesday’s monologue, referencing comments the former president had made about the comedian earlier this week. The spike in viewership marks one of Kimmel’s highest-rated nights in recent years, and it comes on the heels of renewed public sparring between the two public figures.
The drama began when Trump, at a rally in Pennsylvania, called Kimmel a “washed-up loser” and said his show “used to be funny before he went totally woke.” In response, Kimmel doubled down on his trademark blend of satire and political commentary, airing a biting segment that took aim at Trump’s legal troubles, business failures, and ongoing campaign rhetoric.
Whether viewers tuned in for the feud or the comedy, the result was clear: Jimmy Kimmel Live! drew 6.7 million viewers, according to preliminary overnight ratings — a massive increase over his usual audience, which typically hovers around 1.5 to 2 million.
“This is the Trump Bump I’ve been waiting for,” Kimmel joked, holding up a graph of the viewership spike during Wednesday night’s show. “I say something true, he loses his mind, calls me names, and boom — ratings gold.”
Industry analysts suggest that the public spat has helped both sides in different ways. For Kimmel, the controversy has reignited public interest in his show, especially as late-night television competes with streaming platforms and social media for attention. For Trump, the ongoing feud keeps him in the media spotlight — something he has historically used to his advantage, especially with his base.
Kimmel’s ratings win comes at a crucial time. The show had only recently returned to the full national ABC lineup after a temporary suspension and partial blackout by several major affiliate owners, including Nexstar and Sinclair. While some markets are still not airing the show due to ongoing disputes, the numbers suggest that his core audience — and possibly new viewers — are responding strongly to the controversy.
Social media also lit up in response to the exchange. Hashtags like #TrumpKimmelFeud and #ThanksTrump trended on X (formerly Twitter), with fans and critics of both men weighing in. Some praised Kimmel for standing up to Trump’s criticism, while others accused him of exploiting the feud for ratings.
Regardless of political leanings, the numbers speak for themselves: Kimmel’s blend of comedy and confrontation, particularly when it comes to Trump, continues to resonate with viewers.
“Say what you want about the guy,” Kimmel said at the close of his show, “but when he talks about me, America listens — and apparently, they tune in too.”