Jimmy Kimmel, in his Wednesday night monologue, called out President Donald Trump for telling what he described as “ridiculous and relentless” lies in the days leading up to next week’s midterm elections.
Kimmel’s main target was Trump’s promise: a $5,000 check to every American adult if Republicans keep control of Congress. Kimmel framed it as the “biggest lie of all,” while noting that ex-prosecutors have described the promise as a “bribe.”
Join the Discussion
The $5,000 promise
Trump has been promoting the idea of sending every American adult a $5,000 check if Republicans keep control of Congress.
Earlier this week, Trump added one condition: The money can’t be spent overseas.
“But we can spend it here at home,” Kimmel said. “Maybe even at Mar-a-Lago, his members-only mausoleum.”
The Mar-a-Lago clip
Kimmel played a clip of Trump telling supporters they could spend the cash at his Florida club, then quickly walking back the invitation.
“You’ll be my guest at Mar-a-Lago,” Trump said, but he added that supporters probably couldn’t afford to dine there, even with the check. “The problem is that for $5,000, the most you’ll be able to buy is a hamburger and maybe a small dessert. I’m not even sure you could buy that.”
Kimmel’s studio audience booed after the president’s statement.
Kimmel’s reaction
“Hold on. I have a question,” Kimmel said. “Why are you saying this out loud? Why are you telling these people who’ve gathered to see you in their Chinese-made, American-flag Hawaiian shirts that they can’t afford to eat at your house? How is that helping you?”
Kimmel said it was clear the president is completely out of touch.
“And that’s probably for the best,” he said. “When he is in touch, it’s usually without consent.”
What it showed
The setup was simple: a sweeping cash promise tied to winning power, a restriction on where it can be spent, and then a Mar-a-Lago aside that turned into a joke at supporters’ expense. Kimmel let Trump’s own lines carry the moment, then underlined the gap between the pitch and the punchline with his questions.