The US late-night host appeared on Channel 4 for its 2025 Alternative Christmas Message, a tradition dating back to 1993 that invites unexpected voices to offer an alternative to the monarch’s annual speech. Kimmel’s message aired shortly after King Charles III’s Christmas address.
Speaking directly to British viewers, Kimmel joked that he wasn’t even sure if the UK knew who he was, before launching into a blistering critique of the political climate in the United States. From a “fascism perspective,” he said, “this has been a really great year,” adding that “tyranny is booming” under a president who “thinks he is our king.”
Kimmel also revisited the brief suspension of his ABC talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, which followed controversial remarks he made after the murder of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Kimmel accused Trump of trying to silence him for being critical, saying government pressure led to his show being taken off air.
What followed, he said, was an unexpected “Christmas miracle” — or, more accurately, a “September miracle.” Public backlash, including support from people who didn’t even like his show, helped bring it back. Kimmel framed the moment as a victory for free speech. “We won, the President lost,” he said, adding that he was now back on air nightly giving Trump “a right and richly deserved bollocking,” pausing to check if he’d used the British word correctly.
The comedian warned that democratic erosion can happen quickly, noting that Americans once believed political silencing only occurred in places like Russia or North Korea. Now, he said, the US is dismantling its own institutions — from the free press to the courts — both figuratively and literally.
Kimmel struck a more conciliatory tone toward the end of his message, apologizing to Britain for America’s turmoil and stressing that Trump does not represent all Americans. Referencing Hamilton and Love Actually, he leaned into the long, complicated relationship between the two countries and urged the UK not to give up on the US just yet.
“We’re not bright. We’re Americans,” he joked. “We’re always a little late to the game. But do we come through in the end? Maybe. Give us about three years.”
He closed by thanking Britain for its patience — and for Spider-Man — wishing viewers a Merry Christmas and happy holidays.
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