In a blistering social media outburst, former US President Donald Trump has set his sights on two pillars of the American media landscape: comedian Jimmy Kimmel and National Public Radio (NPR). The attack, which unfolded on his Truth Social platform, signals a significant escalation in his long-standing feud with the late-night host.
The Core of the Controversy
Mr Trump's ire was sparked by a recent episode of Kimmel's ABC show, where the host delivered a monologue sharply critical of the former President. Not one to let criticism slide, Trump retaliated by branding Kimmel as "the most overrated 'comedian' on television" and lambasting his interviewing style.
He went further, making a pointed and personal jab at Kimmel's wife, a move that has drawn condemnation from media commentators and added a deeply personal dimension to the professional rivalry.
A Broader Media Assault
The tirade did not stop with Kimmel. In the same post, Trump turned his fire towards NPR, labelling the publicly funded broadcaster a "liberal lunatic propaganda machine." This broadside is part of a wider pattern of the former President criticising media outlets he perceives as hostile to his political agenda.
This incident highlights Trump's continued strategy of using confrontational rhetoric to dominate news cycles and rally his support base, even as he campaigns for a potential return to the White House.
Kimmel's History of Trump Critiques
Jimmy Kimmel is no stranger to targeting Donald Trump in his monologues. His critiques have often focused on the former President's legal troubles, policy decisions, and public statements. This latest exchange suggests that the late-night comedy circuit will remain a fiercely contested battleground in the increasingly polarised American political landscape.
As the 2024 presidential election looms, such public spats between high-profile political figures and entertainment personalities are likely to become more frequent and increasingly vitriolic.
