Jimmy Kimmel recently mocked Donald Trump for running the country like a reality show as the president-elect begins selecting his second-term administration.
Over the past two days, Trump nominated several controversial figures, including former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence, ex-Florida representative Matt Gaetz for attorney general, outspoken anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services secretary, and Fox News contributor Pete Hegseth to lead the Pentagon.
While reactions to these appointments have varied, with praise, criticism, and confusion from both Republicans and Democrats, Kimmel described the choices as “crazier” than expected.
In his opening monologue, Kimmel joked that Trump was treating the country like a reality show, replacing Meatloaf and Dennis Rodman with Gaetz and Gabbard. He humorously suggested other possible cabinet members, such as Survivor host Jeff Probst, drag queen RuPaul, Dancing with the Stars hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, and comedian Nick Cannon, calling it “the worst People’s Choice Awards every day.”
Political analysts believe Trump’s choices reflect a preference for loyalty over experience, but Kimmel had a simpler explanation: “He’s dumb.” While some argue Trump might be testing or weakening government institutions, Kimmel insists his selections show the former president’s lack of intelligence.
Kimmel also mocked Trump’s pick of RFK Jr. for the Health and Human Services role, quipping, “Who better to be in charge of health in humans than a guy whose brain was partially devoured by a worm?” He also humorously remarked that Trump had initially wanted a doctor for the role but had instead chosen someone less qualified.
Finally, Kimmel ridiculed Gaetz’s nomination as attorney general, suggesting, “If Matt Gaetz is going to be attorney general, why not bring in Gary Busey to run the CIA?” Gaetz, who was previously investigated for sex trafficking, faces an uphill battle for Senate confirmation, but Kimmel predicted that Trump’s loyal supporters would ultimately approve the appointments.
