Jimmy Kimmel warns of rising tyranny in U.S. during alternative Christmas message to British viewers

Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel delivered an alternative Christmas message to British viewers on Channel 4 on Christmas Day, criticizing President Trump and warning of rising authoritarianism in the United States.

In the address, Kimmel said that from a fascism perspective, the year had been "a really great year" and that "tyranny is booming over here." He characterized Trump as acting like a king, and noted that the president would like to silence him because he does not offer the adoration Trump desires.

Kimmel referenced his own recent experience with suspension. He recalled that in September, after making remarks critical of the MAGA movement in connection with the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, his show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" was taken off the air. The American government made a threat against him and his employer, he said, leading to the suspension.

"But then, you know what happened? A Christmas miracle happened. Well, it was September. It was a September miracle," Kimmel said, noting that the show returned to air after Disney, the parent company of his network, faced widespread criticism and accusations of censorship.

Following his return, Kimmel stated: "Our program came back stronger than ever. We won, the president lost, and now I'm back on the air every night giving the most powerful politician on Earth a more than deserved scolding."

Channel 4 began airing an alternative Christmas message in 1993 as a counterpart to the British monarch's annual televised address. The channel said the message is typically a thought-provoking and personal reflection on the year's events.

Kimmel has continued to criticize Trump since returning to air. In his message to British viewers, he addressed the political climate in the United States directly, telling the audience that while conditions are difficult, America will recover from Trump's presidency.