Jimmy Kimmel, the American talk show host, has delivered Channel 4's alternative Christmas message, urging Britons not to give up on the United States despite what he described as a 'right mess' under President Donald Trump. In a recorded address, Kimmel reflected on his own experience of being targeted by the president, which he said led to his show being temporarily taken off air before public outcry secured its return.
Kimmel described the current political climate in the US as one where 'tyranny is booming' and warned that democratic structures, from the free press to judicial independence, are being undermined. He referred to Trump as 'King Donny the Eighth' and noted that Americans, proud of not having a monarch, now face a leader who 'thinks he is our king'.
The host acknowledged the impact of US politics on the UK and offered an apology, saying: 'We know this is also affecting you, and I just wanted to say sorry.' He stressed that not all Americans are like Trump, and asked for patience, predicting the country would 'come around' in about three years.
Kimmel also referenced the 'special relationship' between the two nations, citing films like Love Actually, and thanked the UK for Spider-Man. The message, a transcript of which was published, ended with a plea: 'Don't give up on us. We're going through a bit of a wobble right now, but we'll come around.'
