Jimmy Kimmel Gets Italian Citizenship to Escape Potential Trouble Amid Trump’s Second Term: “As Bad As You Thought it Was Gonna be, It’s So Much Worse”

Jimmy Kimmel has made sure he has a backup plan if President Donald Trump makes things even worse during his second term. The late-night host, who has been openly critical of Trump for years, revealed on Sarah Silverman’s podcast that he already has an escape route ready.

Silverman asked him about what some people are doing in response to Trump’s return to the White House. She said, “A lot of people I know are thinking about, where are they going to get citizenship?”

Kimmel answered, “I did get Italian citizenship. I do have that.” He didn’t stop there.

Talking about Trump’s presidency, he added, “What’s going on is… as bad as you thought it was gonna be, it’s so much worse. It’s just unbelievable. I feel like it’s probably even worse than [Trump] would like it to be.”

The Italian news agency Ansa reports that Kimmel obtained Italian citizenship earlier this year. He proved his eligibility through his family history, his maternal great-grandparents left Naples, Italy, after an earthquake hit their hometown, Ischia, in 1883. If he ever decides to use his citizenship, Kimmel would join other celebrities who have considered leaving the U.S. due to Trump’s return.

The discussion about late-night shows has also been heated and likely made Kimmel’s reason to seek citizenship even more valid. Trump recently commented on social media about The Late Show with Stephen Colbert being canceled, boasting that Kimmel might be next.

On Truth Social, Trump wrote, “The word is, and it’s a strong word at that, Jimmy Kimmel is NEXT to go in the untalented Late Night Sweepstakes and, shortly thereafter, Fallon will be gone. These are people with absolutely NO TALENT, who were paid Millions of Dollars for, in all cases, destroying what used to be GREAT Television. It’s really good to see them go, and I hope I played a major part in it!”

Stephen Colbert responded to Trump’s attack during his monologue. Colbert took aim at Trump’s claims with sharp humor. He asked, “How dare you sir? Would an untalented man be able to compose the following satirical witticism?” Then, turning to another camera labeled “eloquence cam,” Colbert bluntly said, “Go f***** yourself.”

For Kimmel, the Italian citizenship is a practical option. But it also highlights the strong reactions some celebrities have had to Trump’s second term. The comedian’s move is part of a growing trend of public figures thinking about alternatives if political conditions in the U.S. become unbearable.

With a backup plan in place and his sharp wit intact, Kimmel seems ready to face whatever comes next.

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