Jimmy Kimmel roasts ‘Jennifer’ Trump onstage while accepting 2026 Critics Choice Award

SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA: Jimmy Kimmel made sure President Donald Trump’s name was heard loud and clear at the Critics Choice Awards. The host and executive producer of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live,' which has aired on ABC since 2003, also won the award for Best Talk Show. 

While accepting the honor, Kimmel “thanked” Trump, saying that without him, he would have “gone home empty handed.” The 2026 Critics Choice Awards took place on Sunday, January 4, at the Barker Hangar at Santa Monica Airport in Santa Monica.  

Jimmy Kimmel roasts Trump on stage at the 2026 Critics' Choice Awards

Jimmy Kimmel has long been critical of President Donald Trump, never shying away from calling out his actions and statements. During his acceptance speech, Kimmel made sure to take aim at the president, addressing him as Donald “Jennifer” Trump.

Kimmel then pulled out a long sheet of paper and, as he read from it, again thanked Trump, noting that without him, the 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' team would have gone home “empty-handed.”

“I want to thank our President Donald Jennifer Trump. Without him, we would be going home empty-handed tonight. So, thank you Mr president for all the many ridiculous things you do each and every day,” Kimmel said. 

“You, it’s been a banner couple of weeks, and we can't get way to get back on the air tomorrow night to talk about them,” he concluded, before also acknowledging everyone who helped make the award possible.

While accepting the honor, Kimmel expressed appreciation for the celebrities and supporters who stood by him when 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' was temporarily taken off the air following complaints about a segment discussing Charlie Kirk’s alleged shooter. 

In addition to his playful jabs at President Trump, Kimmel also recognized the writers and actors who contribute to his show. “Thanks to all the writers and actors and producers and union members, many of you who are in this room, who supported us, who really stepped forward us and reminded us that we do not take free speech for granted in this city or in this country,” he said on January 4. “Your actions were important, and we appreciate them.”

Jimmy Kimmel backlash grows after Charlie Kirk remarks spark Trump feud

The feud between Jimmy Kimmel and President Donald Trump escalated after a controversial monologue on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' in September 2025, which ultimately led to the program being taken off the air temporarily.

Kimmel faced backlash for comments about the death of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. He suggested that the “MAGA gang” was attempting to exploit the tragedy and implied that the suspected shooter may have been a “pro-Trump Republican.”

The remarks sparked swift consequences. Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, criticized the segment as “truly sick.” Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group pulled the show from their stations. ABC later suspended the show for two weeks before it returned to the air.