Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel made headlines on Saturday after delivering a fiery speech at the “No Kings” protest in Chicago — a rally organized to denounce authoritarianism and celebrate democratic freedoms.
Addressing a crowd of thousands gathered downtown, Kimmel didn’t hold back when speaking directly about former President Donald Trump. “If he thinks this place is going to be a fascist hub — no chance!” Kimmel shouted, as supporters erupted in cheers. The comedian then turned his attention toward the administration’s alleged plans to invoke the Insurrection Act to maintain control. “No, you can’t put troops on our streets,” Kimmel continued. “You can’t create enough chaos to stay in power. We all know what your plan is.”
The “No Kings” movement, which has gained traction across several major U.S. cities, was organized to counter what activists describe as “the growing normalization of strongman politics.” Protesters carried signs reading “Freedom Over Fear” and “We Already Had a Revolution.”
While many applauded Kimmel’s bold stance, critics accused him of “grandstanding” and “fueling division.” Conservative commentators on social media called the comedian’s remarks “unhinged” and “delusional,” suggesting that celebrities are increasingly blurring the lines between entertainment and politics.
Still, for his supporters, Kimmel’s words struck a chord. “It’s rare to see someone with a platform speak truth to power so directly,” one protester told reporters.
The speech quickly went viral online, trending under #NoKingsDay and #KimmelVsTrump. Whether viewed as courageous or controversial, one thing was clear — Jimmy Kimmel had once again stepped far beyond late-night comedy and straight into America’s most polarizing political debate.
