Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel delivered a pointed critique of former President Donald Trump while accepting a major award, using the platform to deliver a robust defence of free speech in the United States.
Victory Speech Turns to Political Commentary
The comedian received the award for Best Talk Show at the 2026 Critics' Choice Awards on Sunday. In his acceptance remarks, Kimmel did not shy away from the controversy that surrounded his programme the previous year, nor from targeting a frequent subject of his monologues.
He began by thanking the writers, actors, producers, and union members in the room, stating their support served as a crucial reminder. "We do not take free speech for granted in this city or in this country," Kimmel asserted. "Your actions are important, and we appreciate them."
A Direct Jab at the Former President
Kimmel then turned his attention directly to Donald Trump, whom he sarcastically thanked. "And most of all, I want to thank our president, Donald Jennifer Trump," he quipped, deliberately using an incorrect name. "Without whom we would be going home empty handed tonight."
He continued his thanks to the former president "for all the many ridiculous things you do each and every day." Kimmel added that it had been a "banner couple of weeks" and expressed eagerness to return to air to discuss recent events.
Background: A Controversial Suspension
The host's comments on free speech carried significant weight due to events in 2025. Kimmel's show was temporarily suspended after a monologue in which he made comments regarding the alleged assassin of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
This hiatus, which lasted several days before being lifted, was publicly praised by Donald Trump. The incident sparked a widespread debate about censorship and the limits of expression on American television, raising concerns about the future of free speech.
The suspension and its aftermath framed Kimmel's award acceptance as more than a simple victory speech, transforming it into a statement on creative liberty and political satire in contemporary media.
