'Just a big field trip': Jimmy Kimmel mocks speaker Mike Johnson over 'no big deal' stance on Jan 6

Kimmel sarcastically echoed Johnson's claims, highlighting the absurdity of his attempts to minimize the gravity of the attack
PUBLISHED DEC 6, 2023
Jimmy Kimmel took aim at House Speaker Mike Johnson for his dismissive attitude towards the Jan 6 riots (Getty Images/X@RepMikeJohnson)
Jimmy Kimmel took aim at House Speaker Mike Johnson for his dismissive attitude towards the Jan 6 riots (Getty Images/X@RepMikeJohnson)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a recent segment on his late-night talk show, Jimmy Kimmel took aim at House Speaker Mike Johnson for his seemingly dismissive attitude towards Jan 6 attacks.

Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, has repeatedly downplayed the severity of the attack on the US Capitol, characterizing it as a mere "political protest" and a "tourist visit."

Kimmel's sharp wit exposes the absurdity of Johnson's claims

Kimmel, known for his sharp wit and biting commentary, couldn't help but poke fun at Johnson's nonchalant approach to the incident. He sarcastically echoed Johnson's claims, suggesting that the rioters were simply "avid sightseers" who were merely "exploring" the Capitol Building.

"I guess it was just a big field trip for these folks," Kimmel quipped. "They were just really interested in learning about the history of our government, you know, how our democracy works. And they were so excited to see the Capitol Building up close, they just had to go inside and check it out."

Kimmel's mockery highlighted the absurdity of Johnson's attempts to minimize the gravity of the insurrection.

Kimmel couldn't resist highlighting the inconsistency.

“We want transparency, so we’re going to blur out all the faces of the people who were there,” Kimmel snarked.

“These people weren’t trying to hurt anybody. Ted Cruz was only hiding in the supply closet because he loves the smell of a mop,” he said. “The last thing we want to do is send the message that Americans can’t try to overthrow their government anymore. We have to protect them from the law enforcement we work so hard to pretend to support.”



 

Kimmel's witty critique underscores the gravity of Jan 6 

The attack, which resulted in multiple deaths and injuries, was a violent attempt to overturn the results of a legitimate election. Johnson's flippant remarks seemed to trivialize the events of that day and the ongoing efforts to hold those responsible accountable.

Kimmel's segment was not just about humor; it was also a reminder of the importance of taking Jan 6 seriously. Those who seek to downplay or dismiss the attack risk undermining the very foundations of American democracy.

As Kimmel aptly pointed out, the events of Jan 6 were not a "tourist visit" or a "political protest."

They were a direct assault on the US Capitol and an attempt to subvert the will of the American people. Johnson's attempts to whitewash the insurrection are not only misguided but also dangerous.

Kimmel's use of humor to address this serious issue was a clever way to engage his audience and spark important conversations.

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

MORE STORIES

Marjorie Taylor Greene told CBS’ Lesley Stahl that GOP colleagues feared Trump’s reaction to criticism and backed off publicly
1 hour ago
Crockett said: 'Now, there are those who say, ‘Ain’t no way, we done tried this 50 kinds of ways.’ Let me be clear: Y’all ain’t never tried it the JC way.'
5 hours ago
Donald Trump’s aid program, aimed at stabilizing agriculture, includes $11 billion in one‑time USDA payments to help growers facing rising costs
8 hours ago
Republicans are divided as the ACA subsidy deadline nears, with millions at risk of higher premiums if subsidies expire
11 hours ago
Donald Trump advanced a nationwide AI rulebook seeking to override state laws, a move that has fueled legal uncertainty and deepened party divisions
13 hours ago
Congress unveiled a $901 billion National Defense Authorization Act that set Pentagon priorities for 2026 by balancing both House and Senate demands
16 hours ago
Seth Moulton’s comments come as Democrat lawmakers continue hammering the administration over its handling of the drug boat strikes
1 day ago
The map, which was passed with a vote of 57-41, redraws Indianapolis into four districts
1 day ago
Donald Trump said his admin is 'seriously' studying Australia’s employer-funded retirement system as a possible model to strengthen US savings
4 days ago
House Republicans backed Trump’s Venezuela strikes but urged the White House to provide clearer plans after a follow‑up attack killed survivors
5 days ago