Jimmy Kimmel is stepping away from Jimmy Kimmel Live! for two months — but not before making sure President Donald Trump has something to watch while he’s gone.
During the June 18 episode of his late-night show, Kimmel announced that a lineup of celebrity guest hosts would take over while he enjoys a summer break. Among the names filling in are Tiffany Haddish, Colman Domingo, Ike Barinholtz, Anthony Anderson and Jelly Roll.
But it was one particular guest host that got the biggest reaction from the audience.
“As a special treat for our commander-in-chief, I asked one of his all-time favorites, Rosie O’Donnell, to be here to keep the hits coming,” Kimmel joked.
The audience erupted in laughter and applause as the comedian delivered the punchline.
“You’re welcome,” he added. “And all I ask in return, Mr. President, is that you don’t do anything stupid while I’m gone. Okay?”
Why Rosie O’Donnell Is Such a Surprising Choice
Kimmel’s joke wasn’t random.
Rosie O’Donnell and Donald Trump have been locked in one of the longest-running celebrity feuds in modern American culture.
Their conflict dates back to 2006, when O’Donnell criticized Trump’s handling of controversy surrounding Miss USA winner Tara Conner during an appearance on The View. Trump fired back publicly, and the two have traded insults for nearly two decades.
The feud intensified during Trump’s political career, with both sides frequently criticizing each other through interviews and social media.
O’Donnell previously revealed that the attacks had a significant emotional impact on her.
Speaking about the experience, she described the public criticism she received during the feud as some of the most intense bullying she had ever faced.
Kimmel and Trump Have Their Own History
Rosie isn’t the only Trump critic set to appear behind Kimmel’s desk.
Kimmel himself has spent years sparring with the president.
Trump has repeatedly attacked the late-night host, calling him “seriously unfunny” and even suggesting his show should be taken off the air.
Despite the public back-and-forth, Kimmel recently insisted that he doesn’t actually hate Trump.
In a recent interview, the comedian said he feels more sympathy than anger toward the president.
“I don’t love him, but I don’t hate him, either,” Kimmel said. “I feel sorry for him.”
Summer Break Comes With Plenty of Star Power
While O’Donnell’s appearance is already generating buzz, she will be part of a larger rotation of celebrity guest hosts keeping the show running throughout the summer.
The guest-host lineup includes actors, comedians and musicians, ensuring viewers won’t be short on surprises while Kimmel is away.
Still, it’s hard to imagine any replacement generating more headlines than Rosie O’Donnell — especially given her long-running feud with the man currently occupying the White House.
And if Kimmel’s joke is any indication, that’s exactly why he chose her.
