Gallagher accuses Kimmel of abandoning comedy for Trump attacks, says crowd 'prompted to laugh'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Fox News anchor Trace Gallagher launched a sharp on-air attack on late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, calling him “unfunny” and politically biased while claiming his studio audience was “prompted to laugh.” 

Gallagher’s remarks came on Thursday, April 16, during a segment on Fox News as he reacted to Kimmel’s recent appearance on Michelle Obama’s podcast, where Kimmel discussed comedy, politics and his repeated criticism of President Donald Trump.

Trace Gallagher targets Jimmy Kimmel's comedy style

During his commentary, Gallagher said Kimmel once loved making people laugh but had abandoned comedy in favor of attacking Trump.

He argued that Kimmel “stopped being funny when he stopped wanting to be funny,” adding that the host’s audience responds because it is “prompted to laugh.”

Gallagher went further, saying Kimmel had traded humor for resentment.

“Kimmel gave up what he loves to go after what he hates - the president,” he said, accusing Kimmel of making anti-Trump criticism the center of his show.

He also mocked Kimmel’s defense of political comedy.

Referencing remarks Kimmel made about not being told how to do his job, Gallagher said that statement came from “the guy who tells the president what his job is every night.”

The Fox anchor then questioned Kimmel’s influence and popularity, taking aim at ratings and legacy.

“Nothing worse than a comedian who’s unhappy, unfunny and unhelpful,” Gallagher said, before adding, “He’s no Carson.” 

Gallagher was probably referring to Johnny Carson, an American television host, comedian, and writer best known as the host of NBC's 'The Tonight Show'.

Gallagher said Kimmel’s claim that Carson would behave similarly in today’s political climate was misplaced. 

According to Gallagher, Carson believed a host should avoid dividing viewers or alienating half the audience.

He said Carson’s role during national turmoil, including Vietnam, Watergate and the Carter era, was to give Americans a break from constant political conflict, not intensify it.

Gallagher also suggested that Kimmel had become consumed by opposition to Trump and progressive causes, saying his monologues repeatedly centered on legal battles and political outrage. 

Jimmy Kimmel's long-running attacks on Trump

Gallagher’s remarks came against the backdrop of a years-long feud between Kimmel and Trump.

The comedian has repeatedly used his opening monologues to comment on the president’s speeches, campaign fundraising tactics, legal troubles and personal image.

Earlier this year, Kimmel mocked a Trump fundraising email, calling it one of the president’s “many money grabs.”

During the Iran conflict, he joked that Trump’s handling of the crisis could prove more politically damaging than renewed scrutiny over past controversies.

Kimmel has also targeted Trump’s physical appearance, joking about bruising on the president’s hands and swelling in his ankles during one monologue.