President Donald Trump gave an unexpected farewell to reporters after criticizing late-night TV comedians, saying, “Thank you, everybody. Have a good flight. Fly safely,” following his ongoing conflict with Jimmy Kimmel.
He added, “You know why I say that? Because I’m on the flight. Otherwise I wouldn’t care.”
Supporters of Trump described his comment as humor, but it was met with accusations of narcissism and insensitivity.
These remarks came after he continued his social media attacks on Kimmel via his Truth Social account. On Thursday evening, Trump shared footage from the March 2024 Academy Awards, during which Kimmel addressed Trump’s criticism on live TV.
Trump posted a clip of Kimmel reading one of his posts while hosting the Oscars. The then-presidential candidate had criticized Kimmel’s opening performance as coming from a “less than average person.” However, Trump’s version omitted Kimmel’s complete response, which ended with a pointed mention of Trump’s legal issues.
In his Truth Social post, Trump claimed Kimmel embarrassed himself during the event, asserting that Kimmel’s wife and agent urged him not to react to the online criticism. Trump labeled Kimmel as one of the worst Academy Awards hosts and encouraged followers to view the edited clip.
The edited clip shared by Trump ended before Kimmel’s full response, which included thanking Trump for watching and questioning if it was past his jail time. The full exchange showed a sharper response than Trump’s shortened version indicated.
This social media move follows ABC’s controversial temporary suspension of Kimmel’s show, drawing widespread attention in the entertainment industry. The network’s decision led to reactions from media figures and sparked debates about comedy and politics in late-night TV.
Trump has consistently targeted media figures and comedians throughout his political career. His critiques often focus on TV personalities who mock his administration or policies. The president frequently uses social media to address perceived slights or criticisms from entertainment figures.
The timing of Trump’s latest remarks coincides with growing tensions between his administration and various media outlets. His administration has adopted a more confrontational stance toward press coverage, with officials often challenging reporters and news organizations in briefings and public events.
Trump’s unusual goodbye to reporters reflects his complex relationship with the press. Despite frequent criticism of media coverage, Trump often engages with reporters and extends interactions beyond scheduled limits. His comments on flight safety indicated an uncommon moment of apparent concern for the press’s well-being.
Trump’s focus on late-night comedians highlights his ongoing attention to popular culture and the entertainment media’s portrayal of his presidency. He has historically been sensitive to comedic portrayals and often directly responds to jokes or sketches referencing his administration or personal traits.
The ongoing dispute between Trump and Kimmel mirrors a broader dynamic between political figures and entertainment personalities. Late-night TV has increasingly become a platform for political commentary, leading to more frequent exchanges between hosts and politicians.
The president’s remarks to the press pool happened amid ongoing discussions about media access and the relationship between the administration and news organizations. His unusual sign-off suggested a brief departure from his typical adversarial tone toward reporters, though it followed his criticism of entertainment industry figures.
After discussions between Kimmel and Disney, and substantial public support for the late-night host, he returned to the air on Tuesday, September 23. However, several affiliate stations did not broadcast the show. Kimmel was outspoken and defiant following his return.
