Jimmy Kimmel mocks final GOP debate without Trump as 'NSYNC reunion without Justin Timberlake'

Kimmel highlighted the lack of energy and excitement with candidates struggling to captivate the audience without Trump's presence
Jimmy Kimmel humorously critiqued the final Republican presidential debate without Donald Trump, likening it to an 'NSYNC reunion without Justin Timberlake' (Jimmy Kimmel Live)
Jimmy Kimmel humorously critiqued the final Republican presidential debate without Donald Trump, likening it to an 'NSYNC reunion without Justin Timberlake' (Jimmy Kimmel Live)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel took aim at the final Republican presidential debate without Donald Trump, likening the event to "an NSYNC reunion without Justin Timberlake."

In his opening monologue on Wednesday, December 6 night, Kimmel joked about the debate's lackluster lineup, noting that the absence of Trump had significantly impacted the energy and excitement of the event.

Jimmy Kimmel finds GOP debate 'boring as hell' without Trump

"The final Republican debate was last night," Kimmel said, "and let me tell you, it was like watching an NSYNC reunion without Justin Timberlake."

He continued, "It was just a bunch of guys standing around, not really knowing what to do with themselves. They tried to sing some of the old hits, but it just wasn't the same."

Kimmel's comments reflect a broader sentiment among many viewers who found the debate to be dull and uninspiring.

Without Trump's bombastic personality and unpredictable antics, the remaining candidates struggled to generate much interest or excitement.

In addition to the lack of Trump, Kimmel also poked fun at the candidates' frequent use of canned responses and talking points.

"The candidates were all very well-behaved," he said. "They stuck to their talking points, they didn't say anything controversial, and they certainly didn't try to insult each other. In other words, it was boring as hell."



 

Kimmel's monologue touched on yearning for 'substantive' election

While Kimmel's comments were intended to be humorous, they also highlight the serious concerns many have about the state of the Republican Party.

With Trump's dominance, the party has become increasingly divided and polarized, and the remaining candidates seem unable to offer a clear vision for the future.

As Kimmel concluded his monologue, he expressed his hope that the upcoming general election will be more engaging and substantive.

"I'm just hoping that the general election is more exciting than this debate," he said. "We need a campaign that is about real issues, not just personal attacks and insults."

Only time will tell whether Kimmel's wish will be granted. However, his comments offer a humorous and insightful perspective on the current state of the presidential race.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Three sources revealed Wiles knew about the vice president's planned post blaming the conflict for the Republicans' 2026 midterm defeat
2026-11-08T07:00:58.000Z
UFC CEO Dana White confirmed a Monday meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington but remained noncommittal about joining his administration
2026-11-08T06:12:21.000Z
Susan Collins was first elected to the Senate in 1996 and was reelected four times before she lost to Democrat Troy Jackson in the 2026 midterms
2026-11-08T05:58:26.000Z
Rick Scott and Mike Lee push to confirm Trump's nominees and pass key legislation before Democrats take control of the Senate in January
2026-11-08T05:42:56.000Z
Calley Means alleged that Susie Wiles withheld support for his efforts to make children’s diets healthier, citing the need for sugar industry money
2026-11-08T04:56:19.000Z
Jessie Liu will examine government representations about the East Potomac Golf Course renovation and the removal of hundreds of trees
2026-11-08T04:14:15.000Z
Donald Trump backed Sen Dan Sullivan as Rep Mary Peltola held a narrow lead, with thousands of ballots uncounted ahead of ranked-choice tabulation
2026-11-08T02:25:12.000Z
President Trump called the impeachment threats extreme extortion and voiced concern over discussions within the Democratic Party
2026-11-07T22:09:43.000Z
Dana White shared a photo of himself at the White House podium on Instagram after President Trump announced the offer and hinted at a new chapter
2026-11-07T21:01:56.000Z
President Trump said he could work with Democrats without insulting them as he faced his final two years with Republicans in the minority
2026-11-07T19:39:36.000Z