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Jimmy Kimmel Takes Dig at Trump With Nicki Minaj Joke: ‘The Only A– on Trump’s Mind Tonight Is the One That Got Handed to Him’
Jimmy Kimmel used a joke about Nicki Minaj during his monologue to mock Donald Trump after Democrats took control of both the House and Senate. He said Trump had been handed a political defeat by America, and also joked about Vice-President J.D. Vance.
The quip referred to Trump praising Minaj’s backside at a Michigan rally on 25 October, where she appeared alongside him after travelling on Air Force One. Minaj voiced strong support for Trump, and when asked whether she might become White House press secretary, he said he would consider the idea.
In short
- Kimmel joked about Trump after Democrats won both chambers of Congress.
- The joke referenced Trump’s remarks about Nicki Minaj at a rally.
- Minaj endorsed Trump; he said he might consider her for press secretary.
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The case for
Supporters of Kimmel’s joke could see it as legitimate political satire: Trump had just suffered a major electoral defeat, and the quip used his own public remarks about Minaj to puncture his image and highlight the contrast between political power and personal spectacle. They may also argue that sharp comedy is a familiar way to criticise public figures and engage audiences with political events.
The case against
Critics could argue that the joke relies on sexualised commentary about a woman’s body, making Minaj the punchline in a dispute between male political figures despite her own support for Trump. They may also see the insult as partisan mockery that adds heat rather than insight, and believe political satire should challenge leaders without repeating objectifying language.
Explained simply
Jimmy Kimmel is an American television comedian and host whose monologues often comment on politics and public figures. Donald Trump is a former US president and a leading figure in the Republican Party; J.D. Vance is his vice-president.
Nicki Minaj is a Trinidadian-born rapper with a large international following. She has publicly supported Trump and appeared with him at a campaign rally in Michigan in October, drawing attention to their association.
The House of Representatives and the Senate are the two chambers of the US Congress, which makes federal laws and oversees the government. Control of both can affect a president’s ability to advance policies, so changes in party control are a major part of US political debate.