Rob Schneider targets Jimmy Kimmel over Trump criticism, cites wife’s role

Schneider says media and political circles influence Kimmel’s Trump criticism
PUBLISHED MAR 9, 2026
Rob Schneider took a swipe at Jimmy Kimmel, accusing him of repeatedly attacking Donald Trump and suggesting his views are influenced by his liberal wife (Getty Images, Bill O'Reilly/ Youtube)
Rob Schneider took a swipe at Jimmy Kimmel, accusing him of repeatedly attacking Donald Trump and suggesting his views are influenced by his liberal wife (Getty Images, Bill O'Reilly/ Youtube)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Actor and comedian Rob Schneider suggested that Jimmy Kimmel’s frequent criticism of President Donald Trump may be influenced by the late-night host’s wife, making the claim during a discussion with commentator Bill O'Reilly.

The exchange unfolded as the two discussed the Trump administration on an episode that premiered on 'Bill O'Reilly' on March 9, 2026.

Trump often faces sharp criticism from late-night comedians and major television networks. O’Reilly raised the topic by asking Schneider why figures such as Kimmel and other prominent hosts appear particularly hostile towards the president.



Rob Schneider blames Kimmel's 'liberal' wife

During the conversation, O’Reilly framed the issue as part of a broader media pattern. “Why do you think that the Trump administration is so vilified by the Kimmels, the Colberts, the network news? Why do they hate him so much?”

Schneider responded by arguing that cultural and political influences within media circles help shape the tone of that criticism.

“I think it’s liberal women that have lost their minds that are controlling these men.”

Schneider then singled out Kimmel specifically, suggesting that the direction of the ABC late-night show has been shaped by the people behind the scenes.

He pointed out that Kimmel’s wife, television writer Molly McNearney, now serves as the head writer of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' after previously working on the program as an assistant writer.

According to Schneider, that change has influenced the show’s comedic tone and its political commentary, which frequently targets Trump.

“I’m sorry, Jimmy, maybe I’m wrong, but I think I’m right.”

President Donald Trump gestures during a meeting of his Cabinet in the Cabinet Room of the White House on December 02, 2025 in Washington, DC. A bipartisan Congressional investigation has begun regarding Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's role in ordering U.S. military strikes on small boats in the waters off Venezuela that have killed scores of people, which Hegseth said are intended
Donald Trump gestures during a meeting of his Cabinet in the Cabinet Room of the White House on December 02, 2025, in Washington, DC (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Kimmel's frequent attacks against Trump

Kimmel has been one of Trump’s most consistent critics in late-night television, often responding to the president’s political statements and personal attacks during his nightly monologues.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 13: Jimmy Kimmel speaks onstage during the 27th Annual Critics Choic
Jimmy Kimmel speaks onstage during the 27th Annual Critics' Choice Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on March 13, 2022, in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)

In one instance, Kimmel mocked Trump after the late-night host was singled out in a fundraising email tied to President Trump, joking that he simply “sits back and laughs” at the attention.

Kimmel read from the body of the email, questioning, “Why is the president in his second term even sending fundraising emails?”

Turning that question into another punchline, Kimmel had added “Maybe, I don’t know, maybe he needs it to pay all the big beautiful tariffs he has to give back now?”

On another occasion, he highlighted newly unsealed documents tied to the 2020 election subversion case, arguing they shed light on what he described as Trump’s strategy surrounding the election dispute.

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