Former President Donald Trump recently made headlines during an appearance on the Full Send Podcast, hosted by the Nelk Boys, where he expressed his thoughts on various late-night comedians and Vice President Kamala Harris. He specifically targeted Jimmy Kimmel, labeling him as a “loser” and reminiscing about his prior appearances on Kimmel’s show. Trump recounted how Kimmel used to greet him warmly before his political career, but observed a stark change in tone once he entered politics. According to Trump, Kimmel’s show has now devolved into a platform focused on disparaging him. This sentiment extended to other comedians as well, as Trump claimed that their collective negativity towards him reflects a broader decline in late-night comedy.
In addition to Kimmel, Trump criticized Whoopi Goldberg, one of the co-hosts of The View. He recalled past interactions that involved hiring her for events, which led him to describe her language as “filthy” and “disgusting.” Trump’s remarks highlighted his view that these comedians have not maintained professionalism or integrity in their work, particularly when they moved into the political arena. He further criticized Joy Behar, another co-host from The View, whom he mocked for what he perceived as a lack of intelligence, and shared a story about a former employee who had shifted her stance to criticize him after leaving the White House.
Trump’s critique extended to other figures in comedy, including Jimmy Fallon and Howard Stern, whom he labeled as “losers” and “lightweights.” He reflected on a past appearance on Fallon’s show, remembering a moment when Fallon playfully touched his hair, only for later to apologize for seemingly humanizing him. This recollection was intertwined with discourse about the current state of their shows, with Trump commenting on how their ratings have plummeted compared to previous television icons like Johnny Carson. He contrasted the past with present-day late-night television, painting a portrait of a comedy landscape that has lost its edge, largely due to a fixation on political commentary.
Stephen Colbert was another target of Trump’s criticism, whom he accused of obsessively discussing Trump, coining the term “Trump Derangement Syndrome” to label Colbert’s behavior. He argued that Colbert’s success hinged on his constant focus on Trump, suggesting that this fixation has diminished the quality of his content and driven viewers away. Trump’s commentary painted late-night hosts as being incapable of moving beyond the political narrative surrounding him, depicting them all as part of a declining genre that was supposedly flourishing in earlier decades.
Transitioning to politics, Trump also shared his perspective on Vice President Kamala Harris, whom he described as lacking awareness and competence. He referenced a moment on 60 Minutes where he believed her answers were misrepresented in a major scandal. He criticized her decision to appear on the Call Her Daddy podcast amidst a hurricane in North Carolina, framing it as a misuse of her position. Trump’s remarks emphasized his belief that Harris does not adequately fulfill her responsibilities, further asserting his stance on political leadership as he gears up for the 2024 election.
Trump’s appearance on the Full Send Podcast followed several other notable podcast appearances intended to showcase a more personal side of the former president. He previously joined Andrew Schulz’s Flagrant podcast, where he shared humorous experiences involving his family and discussed his approach to leadership. The varied podcast formats allowed Trump to connect with diverse audiences, giving them insight into his personality beyond political rhetoric. It appears that these appearances are part of a larger strategy as he prepares for a potential return to the White House, effectively seeking to redefine his public image and promote engagement with voters through contemporary media outlets.
In concluding his chat with the Nelk Boys, Trump mentioned an upcoming appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast, indicating a continued commitment to leveraging podcasts as platforms for discussion and engagement. The former president’s recent media efforts underscore his adaptive approach to modern campaigning, aiming to resonate with audiences who may not be reached through traditional political channels. His foray into these informal settings highlights his strategy to reclaim narrative control and address criticisms directly while connecting on personal levels with a broad range of viewers.