Jimmy Kimmel Mocks Trump’s New Reality Show Idea: ‘I Thought He Was a Game Show Host Already’

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel took a jab at former President Donald Trump’s suggestion that he could star in his own reality TV show, dismissing the idea with a mixture of humor and skepticism. Trump, who has long had a complicated relationship with television, recently floated the idea of creating a new show to remain in the public eye following his second presidential campaign victory. Kimmel, never one to shy away from poking fun at the former president, used the moment to highlight the absurdity of Trump’s continued presence in the entertainment world, despite his tumultuous tenure in office.

On his Jimmy Kimmel Live! show, Kimmel riffed on Trump’s notion of launching a new reality TV show, quipping, “I thought he was already starring in a reality show — it’s called the last four years of American life!” The joke was met with laughter from the studio audience, as Kimmel’s remarks tapped into the broader sentiment that Trump’s entire political career has sometimes seemed like a high-stakes game show or a reality series in itself.

Kimmel’s comments were made in response to recent reports that Trump has been privately discussing the idea of creating a new television program to help him maintain his celebrity status, particularly following his return to the political spotlight. These conversations have reportedly revolved around ways to capitalize on his high-profile persona post-presidency and maintain relevance in the media.

Trump’s Relationship with Television

Trump’s ties to television are well-documented, dating back to his long-running stint as the host of NBC’s The Apprentice, which catapulted him into the public consciousness as a business mogul and TV personality. The show, which aired from 2004 to 2015, was one of the cornerstones of Trump’s pre-presidency fame, with his signature catchphrase “You’re fired!” becoming a cultural touchstone. His transition from reality TV to politics in 2016 — a move some critics called a publicity stunt — further blurred the lines between entertainment and politics, making Trump a uniquely polarizing figure in American media.

Despite his time in the White House, Trump has maintained a close relationship with the media and pop culture. His frequent media appearances, public feuds with journalists, and reliance on platforms like social media for self-promotion have kept him in the public eye. Now, as he prepares for another run at the presidency in 2024, Trump appears to be exploring ways to retain a dominant media presence beyond traditional politics — and reality television seems to be his latest avenue.

Kimmel’s Response: A Mix of Humor and Criticism

For Kimmel, Trump’s possible return to reality TV is a subject ripe for comedic dissection. On his late-night show, he pointed out the irony of Trump, who previously claimed to want to “Make America Great Again,” turning to reality television as a means of staying relevant. Kimmel sarcastically suggested that Trump’s “new reality show” might feature contestants competing for a role in his next political campaign, riffing on the idea that the show could be a mixture of The Apprentice and Survivor, with a political twist.

Kimmel’s humor wasn’t just about making light of Trump’s celebrity status but also underscoring the absurdity of a figure who has repeatedly used media attention as a tool for political gain. “I think we’ve had enough reality shows in America,” Kimmel quipped, adding that the nation doesn’t need another show about a billionaire businessman firing people on television — especially when those “firing” practices are already well-represented in American politics.

The late-night host also poked fun at Trump’s already established celebrity persona, suggesting that if Trump’s reality show does come to fruition, it could involve bizarre scenarios, such as contestants vying for Trump’s endorsement or competing to prove their loyalty to him. In Kimmel’s comedic world, this idea felt like an inevitable step for Trump, whose previous political stances and media antics often seemed like a blend of reality TV drama and public spectacle.

Trump’s Post-Presidency Media Plans

The speculation about Trump’s post-presidency media ambitions comes amid reports that he is looking for ways to stay in the limelight while pursuing a potential second term. In addition to considering reality TV, Trump has reportedly been discussing other media ventures, including partnerships with conservative news outlets and even starting his own media company. The former president has always understood the power of media to shape his narrative, and it’s likely that whatever venture he chooses will center on maintaining control of his public image.

Despite the heavy satire from Kimmel and other media figures, Trump’s media plans are taken seriously by some observers. After all, his ability to dominate headlines and control the national conversation is a skill that has served him well throughout his career. Whether it’s through reality TV, social media, or traditional political campaigns, Trump continues to find ways to be the center of attention.

Kimmel’s Role in the Conversation

Kimmel, for his part, has become one of the leading voices in late-night television critiquing Trump’s influence on American culture. He has spent much of Trump’s presidency using his show to satirize the former president, mixing humor with pointed political commentary. In this case, Kimmel’s reaction to Trump’s latest entertainment venture is part of his broader role as a media figure who blends comedy with political analysis.

As Kimmel continues to lampoon Trump’s media pursuits, the former president’s growing presence in the entertainment world remains a source of tension and amusement. For Kimmel and other late-night hosts, the reality of Trump returning to television — whether through a new reality show or some other media venture — provides endless material for satire, but it also raises important questions about the intersection of entertainment and politics in America.

As Trump’s plans unfold, Kimmel and other comedians will likely keep a close eye on the situation, ready to continue their critique of his media antics — one late-night joke at a time.