Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, known for his critical stance on former President Donald Trump, has surprisingly conceded that cancel culture may have contributed to Trump's political revival and victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. Kimmel's admission comes amidst growing public disdain for cancel culture, with many Americans feeling stifled in expressing their opinions.
During an interview, Kimmel noted that the backlash against cancel culture, particularly targeting comedians over their jokes, has pushed a significant number of voters towards Trump's corner. He pointed out the increasing frustration amongst Americans with the outrage culture surrounding free speech and comedy, an issue that has been at the forefront of cultural debates for years.
The 2024 Cato Institute study reinforces this sentiment, indicating that 62 percent of Americans are hesitant to share their views due to fear of repercussions such as public shaming, doxxing, or job loss. Trump's unabashed and uncensored persona appears to resonate with those who oppose the prevailing hypersensitive climate. His perceived immunity to cancellation has bolstered his appeal as a leader unafraid to defy the norm.
Kimmel's reflections align with public opinion, as seen with the controversy surrounding comedians like Dave Chappelle, whose material has been labeled offensive by some critics. This has sparked national conversations on the boundaries of humor and free speech. Trump's supporters seem to appreciate his refusal to conform to the rules set by the culture of political correctness, valuing his directness and defiance.
However, despite acknowledging the cultural backlash that may have boosted Trump, Kimmel's understanding of the former president's success appears limited. In the same interview, he compared his shock at Trump's election win to the disbelief he felt when O.J. Simpson was acquitted. Kimmel expressed that his faith in America was shaken, and he has yet to recover from that sentiment.
Kimmel's own brush with controversy came in late March when he made headlines for a monologue that seemed to mock Elon Musk and implicitly condone vandalism of Tesla vehicles. Kimmel's criticism followed Musk's discussion about Tesla cars being set on fire, leading to a backlash on social media platforms, including a tweet from user @jcubhilton on March 19, 2025, accusing Kimmel of encouraging violence against Tesla.