Jimmy Kimmel compares Trump’s presidency to 'monkey flying the plane' amid tensions over his tariff hike
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Host Jimmy Kimmel recently compared Donald Trump's presidency to "monkey flying the plane" during the 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' opening monologue on Thursday, April 10.
Kimmel painted a vivid picture of what he saw as a nation spiraling into absurdity under Trump’s second term and his recent tariff policy changes, OK! Magazine reported.
Jimmy Kimmel says Donald Trump’s 'master plan is chaos in disguised'
Jimmy Kimmel opened with a harsh metaphor that set the tone for the night.
"The fact is, we have a monkey flying the plane right now, and almost half the passengers are like, 'I think the monkey’s doing a good job,'" he said, mocking the unwavering loyalty of Trump’s MAGA supporters.
According to Kimmel, recent justifications from the far-right claiming that Trump’s sudden pause on his controversial tariff policy was all part of a “master plan” are simply laughable.
"Not only doesn’t he have a plan, he doesn’t understand why he did this. Maybe he did it to distract us from all the other horrible stuff," Kimmel declared.
Jimmy Kimmel torches Trump’s policies, says 'none of us can ever go on vacation again'
The late-night comedian didn’t stop there. He suggested that the erratic policy changes are designed to draw attention away from far more disturbing developments in the administration.
"Maybe he did it to distract us from the fact that they’re deporting college students and firing the people in charge of fighting disease and fires, and he’s attacking judges, and journalists and lawyers. He’s taking lunch and life-saving medications away from children who need it," the host continued.
And the critique didn’t end at domestic policy. Kimmel also accused Trump of cozying up to global adversaries while alienating allies.
"Not to mention helping his buddy [Russian President Vladimir] Putin crush Ukraine and menacing Canada and Greenland of all places," Kimmel said.
Kimmel poked fun at the supposed “successes” of Trump’s leadership, sarcastically congratulating those who voted for him.
"None of us can ever go on vacation again, thanks to the plan, that’s some plan," he quipped.
"Every country in the world" hating America might be the most accomplished part of Trump’s plan, the comedian further continued.
He compared the president’s economic announcements to chaotic randomness, saying, "Calling out numbers like he’s working a bingo hopper."
Jimmy Kimmel rips Donald Trump over economic crisis
This wasn’t Jimmy Kimmel’s first rant of the week. On April 7, he took another jab at Donbald Trump’s economic leadership.
"He’s busy destroying the world’s economy," Kimmel said.
"It was another 'tarrifying' day on Wall Street. The Dow was down, the S&P was down. Cocaine was up," he added.
He noted the significant loss in market value, noting, "The S&P 500 has lost more than 10 percent of its total value since Thursday, costing Americans billions of dollars from their stock portfolios and retirement funds."
In typical fashion, Kimmel layered his criticism with sarcasm.
"But here’s the thing about Donald Trump, he doesn’t care about money. He knows that there are more important things in life — like love," the host continued.
"But hang in there everyone. There’s no cause for alarm. Be strong," Kimmel said.
He ended his monologue with biting irony, referencing Trump’s past financial failures
"The guy who went bankrupt six times is gonna steer us through this disaster he created for no reason at all. So far [he has] wiped out $11 trillion since Inauguration Day. Gone. Just into thin air. But at least we won’t have tampons in the boys’ bathrooms."
