Jimmy Kimmel criticized Donald Trump on his late-night talk show after the president suggested that rising gas prices would benefit Americans amid escalating tensions with Iran. The comedian took aim at Trump’s recent Truth Social post in which the president argued that higher oil prices mean more money for the United States as the world’s largest oil producer.
During the episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, the host highlighted that gas prices have increased for 11 consecutive days. Kimmel referenced Trump’s social media statement claiming that when oil prices rise, America profits significantly, while emphasizing his priority of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Kimmel Challenges Trump’s Gas Price Claims
The late-night host disputed Trump’s assertion about rising gas prices benefiting ordinary Americans. According to Kimmel, while Trump and his associates may profit from higher oil prices, average consumers simply pay more at the pump without seeing any financial gains. He pointed out the contradiction between Trump’s campaign promise to reduce gas prices below two dollars per gallon and his current position that higher prices are advantageous.
Kimmel mocked a spelling error in Trump’s post where the president wrote “stoping” instead of “stopping,” calling him “the stupidest president of all time.” The comedian accused Trump of attempting to mislead Americans about the economic impact of rising fuel costs on household budgets.
Americans Facing Economic Pressure
The comedian connected the gas price discussion to broader economic challenges facing Americans. He cited a recent survey indicating that one-third of Americans are skipping meals or reducing essential utilities like heat to afford rising healthcare premiums. This data underscores the financial strain that additional costs, including higher gas prices, place on households already struggling with inflation.
Additionally, Kimmel questioned what happened to the healthcare plan Trump announced two months earlier, noting it disappeared along with other policy initiatives. The host used humor to highlight what he perceives as broken promises from the administration regarding economic relief for ordinary citizens.
Defense Secretary Also Criticized
Meanwhile, Kimmel’s monologue extended beyond gas prices to address other administration figures. He commented on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth complaining about unflattering photographs in the press. The comedian noted the irony of Hegseth’s sensitivity to media coverage after spending thousands of taxpayer dollars on a makeup studio.
However, the primary focus remained on Trump’s economic messaging regarding oil prices and its disconnect from consumer reality. Kimmel employed the term “gaslighting” as a play on words, connecting it directly to the gas price controversy and suggesting the president was attempting to deceive the public about economic benefits.
The controversy surrounding Trump’s gas price remarks continues as fuel costs remain elevated due to geopolitical tensions. It remains unclear whether the administration will implement specific policies to address consumer concerns about rising energy costs, though the president has indicated his focus remains on foreign policy objectives in the Middle East.
