'Highly overrated': Trump slams David Letterman as ‘loser’ after comedian torches Jimmy Kimmel suspension

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump lashed out at late-night icon David Letterman, calling him “overrated” and a “loser”, after Letterman criticized the White House’s role in Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension.

The fiery back-and-forth erupted after Letterman’s appearance at The Atlantic Festival, where he accused Trump of running an “authoritarian” administration and warned of a chilling effect on free speech.

David Letterman defends Jimmy Kimmel, slams Trump’s White House

Speaking on stage at The Atlantic Festival 2025, Letterman, 78, did not hold back when asked about Jimmy Kimmel’s sudden removal from ABC.

Calling the decision “misery” and “ridiculous,” the legendary host suggested it was politically motivated. “You can’t go around firing somebody because you’re fearful or trying to suck up to an authoritarian criminal administration in the Oval Office. That’s just not how this works,” he said.

Letterman also warned that comedians would not be the only ones at risk: “In the world of somebody who is an authoritarian, maybe a dictatorship, sooner or later, everyone is going to be touched.” He said Kimmel’s ouster felt “premeditated” and an insult to the institution of the presidency.

Trump fires back on Truth Social

True to form, Trump quickly returned fire. In a post on Truth Social, he mocked Letterman’s legacy and appearance.

“Whatever happened to the very highly overrated David Letterman, whose ratings were never very good, either. He looks like hell, but at least he knew when to quit. LOSER!!!” Trump wrote.

The jab came just weeks after Trump had been seen wearing a “Trump Was Right About Everything!” hat during a museum visit, underscoring his tendency to tie cultural battles directly to his political persona.

Jimmy Kimmel suspension sparks cultural firestorm

The controversy began after Kimmel delivered a scathing monologue about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Kimmel accused MAGA supporters of exploiting Kirk’s death and mocked Trump’s public grieving. The routine triggered outrage online and from conservative circles, leading ABC to announce Kimmel’s indefinite suspension.

Letterman described Kimmel’s punishment as proof of “managed media,” suggesting networks are bending to political pressure. His comments not only defended Kimmel but also reignited debate about Trump’s influence over media institutions.

Social media divided over Letterman vs Trump

Reactions to the Trump-Letterman spat lit up X and Instagram. Supporters of Letterman praised him as a voice for free speech, with posts calling him “the last real late-night truth teller.”

Trump loyalists, meanwhile, backed the president’s attack, celebrating his takedown of “Hollywood elites”.

Memes comparing Trump’s Truth Social rant to Letterman’s deadpan wit spread quickly, showing the clash had become both a political flashpoint and pop culture sideshow.

One user on X commented, "David is a LOSER why are all the night show hosts losers with the exception of gutfeld"

Another added, "Letterman was never funny. Never."

One person wrote, "Overrated, weak, irrelevant. Letterman retired, Trump dominates. End of story."

Someone else said, "Letterman lost the edge, Trump calls it like it is." Another reaction read, "Letterman was always over rated."

As another pointed out, "I fully support Trump." Another added, "LMAO Trump is so unique, there will never be anyone like Trump again."

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