“He Lied to His Audience” — Outrage Explodes After Jimmy Kimmel’s Monologue on Kirk & Trump

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel drew heavy attention and sharp criticism after comments about Charlie Kirk and President Donald Trump in a monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Kirk, the conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder, was fatally shot on Sept. 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University.

Kirk’s killing has heightened scrutiny over political speech and the way public figures respond to politically charged violence. Critics warn that commentary from high-profile media figures and politicians can shape public discourse; supporters say satire and critique remain central to political commentary. The episode plays out amid an active criminal investigation.

What Kimmel said

On Monday, Kimmel targeted Trump’s supporters in his opening: “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it,” he said on ABC.

Kimmel mocks Trump’s reaction

Kimmel also ridiculed Trump’s reply when a reporter asked how he was “holding up.” Trump answered, “I think very good,” then pivoted to mention construction of a new White House ballroom. Kimmel quipped, “He’s at the fourth stage of grief, construction… This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish,” drawing laughs from the audience.

Charging and court updates in the Kirk case

Shooting suspect Tyler Robinson appeared in court via video link on Tuesday after his arrest. The 22-year-old faces charges including aggravated murder, felony firearm discharge, obstruction of justice and witness tampering; he showed no emotion as prosecutors read the charges.