American television host Jimmy Kimmel used a prominent British platform to deliver a scathing critique of former President Donald Trump, warning that "fascism" and "tyranny" are flourishing in the United States. The comedian's Alternative Christmas Message for Channel 4, broadcast on 25 December 2025, served as a stark apology to UK viewers for the political climate emanating from across the Atlantic.
A Stark Warning from the Screen
In his pre-recorded address, the 58-year-old presenter did not mince his words. "I can tell you that, from a fascism perspective, this has been a really great year," Kimmel stated ironically. "Tyranny is booming over here." He directly linked the situation to Trump, suggesting the former president wanted to silence him because "I don't adore him in the way he likes to be adored."
Kimmel framed his personal experience as a cautionary tale for British audiences who might believe such governmental overreach only occurs in authoritarian states. "The reason I’m telling you this story is because maybe you’re thinking: ‘Oh a government silencing its critics is something that happens in places like Russia, or North Korea... not the UK’," he explained. "Well, that’s what we thought and now we’ve got King Donny the Eighth calling for executions. It happens fast."
The Saga of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'
The host's criticism was rooted in a recent professional ordeal. His long-running late-night show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, was indefinitely suspended on 17 September following on-air comments about the killing of Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk. The programme, which first aired in 2003, had been on air for over two decades.
Kimmel described the public backlash that followed. "All of a sudden we were off the air," he said. "Millions and millions of people stood up and said: ‘No, this is not acceptable.’" The suspension sparked widespread debate about free speech, leading to the show's reinstatement just days later.
Trump offered a different rationale, claiming the show was pulled due to poor ratings and that Kimmel was "fired for lack of talent." He later reiterated that the host had "ZERO talent" and called the suspension "great news for America."
An Apology to Britain
Kimmel expressed profound concern for the state of American democracy and its ripple effects. "Here in the United States right now we are both figuratively and literally tearing down the structures of our democracy," he continued. "From the free press, to science, to medicine, to judicial independence... we are a right mess."
He issued a direct apology to British viewers, acknowledging that the situation was affecting them too, notably referencing the Trump administration's ban of two British free speech campaigners from the US on Christmas Eve, whom it labelled "radical activists."
"And we know this is also affecting you, and I just wanted to say sorry," Kimmel said. "And we want you to know or, at least I want you to know, that we’re not all like him. We’re not all like that." The message concluded with Kimmel declaring victory in his own battle, stating he was now "back on the air every night giving the most powerful politician on earth a right and richly deserved b******ing."
