Jimmy Kimmel has delivered an emotionally charged monologue on the heels of Donald Trump’s election victory, labeling it a “terrible night”.
On Wednesday, history was made as 78-year-old Trump became only the second president ever to regain the White House after losing his first bid for re-election.
It was undoubtedly a landslide win for Trump, as he took control of swing states such as North Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania.
However, despite Trump vowing to bring America into its “golden age” during his victory address, his critics have been voicing their concerns. These include many high-profile stars, such as Kimmel.
In a somber moment from the late-night talk show host, a visibly emotional Kimmel – with his voice breaking and tears in his eyes – criticized the electoral outcome that he saw as a choice between a “prosecutor and a criminal,” lamenting that the latter had prevailed in the race.
The result, he argued, was beneficial for Vladimir Putin, highlighting the potential repercussions for global politics including America’s stance towards Ukraine.
Kimmel, visibly upset, listed those he believed would suffer under this new presidency.
“It was a terrible night for women, for children, for the hundreds of thousands of hard-working immigrants who make this country go, for healthcare, for our climate, for science, for journalism, for justice, for free speech,” Kimmel said.
He added: “It was a terrible night for poor people, for the middle class, for seniors who rely on social security, for our allies in Ukraine, for NATO, for the truth, and democracy and decency. And it was a terrible night for everyone who voted against him. And guess what? It was a bad night for everyone who voted for him too, you just don’t realize it yet.”
Kimmel’s dismay was echoed by fellow late-night hosts.
Stephen Colbert bluntly opened his show with: “Well f***, it happened again.” He described the campaign as “bizarre and vicious,” a quest driven by Trump’s “desperate need not to go to jail”.
Seth Meyers on NBC’s late-night also chimed in with his take, admitting: “I don’t think Donald Trump’s a good person, I’d even go so far as to say he’s a bad person.” However, he acknowledged the democratic process: “That’s how democracy works in America. A country that is a privilege to live in.”
Throughout the campaign, Kamala Harris garnered the support of a constellation of celebrities from Jennifer Lopez and Taylor Swift to Bruce Springsteen and Oprah Winfrey.
However, their endorsements did not translate into electoral success in crucial swing states.
Meanwhile, Trump enjoyed the backing of high-profile figures like Elon Musk and podcast sensation Joe Rogan, who notably hosted the now-president-elect on his show shortly before Election Day.
Although many people argue against celebrities speaking out about politics, there’s no doubt that star power has complex and unpredictable effects on political fortunes.
