Jimmy Kimmel Hilariously Thanks “Donald Jennifer Trump” During Critics Choice Awards Speech
Jimmy Kimmel made headlines during his Critics Choice Awards speech on Sunday, Jan. 4, with a joke about President Donald J. Trump. The late-night host, who accepted the award for Best Talk Show Host for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” playfully mixed up the president’s name.
“I want to thank our president, Donald Jennifer Trump, without whom we’d be going home empty-handed tonight,” Kimmel said, adding, “So thank you, Mr. President, for all the many ridiculous things you do each and every day.” The comment drew laughter from the audience and was a nod to Kimmel’s long history of making Trump the target of his jokes.
Jimmy Kimmel roasts Donald Trump after winning the #CriticsChoiceAward for Best Talk Show:
— Variety (@Variety) January 5, 2026
"And most of all, I want to thank our president, Donald Jennifer Trump, without whom, we would be going home empty handed tonight. So thank you, Mr. President, for all the many ridiculous… pic.twitter.com/kpEc8JZTa9
Kimmel, 58, has had a turbulent relationship with ABC, which temporarily suspended him in September after he criticized conservative commentator Charlie Kirk on his show. The suspension lasted six days, during which ratings reportedly rose as viewers followed the controversy. Kimmel has since continued his comedic commentary on the president.
During the speech, he also joked about the Critics Choice Award itself, lamenting that it wasn’t the “FIFA World Peace Prize” that Trump had received, keeping the humor sharp while celebrating his win.
Despite the jokes, Kimmel took a moment to emphasize the importance of free speech. “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 with us and reminded us that we do not take free speech for granted in this city or in this country,” he said. “Your actions were important, and we appreciate them.”
Kimmel’s acceptance speech balanced humor with a serious message, highlighting both his comedic style and his commitment to freedom of expression.
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