On August 11, 2025, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel revealed he has obtained Italian citizenship as a contingency plan to leave the United States due to his concerns over President Donald Trump’s second term.
In an interview with The New Yorker, reported by The Daily Beast, Kimmel expressed that life under Trump’s administration has been “way worse” than he anticipated, prompting him to secure dual citizenship as a potential escape route.
The comedian’s candid remarks, which echo sentiments from other Hollywood figures, have sparked widespread discussion about political dissatisfaction and emigration considerations among high-profile celebrities.
During the New Yorker interview, Kimmel shared that he began the process of obtaining Italian citizenship before Trump’s second inauguration, driven by fears of worsening political conditions.
“I did get Italian citizenship, I do have that,” Kimmel said, as quoted by The Daily Beast. “What’s going on is as bad as you thought it was gonna be.”
He noted that many of his acquaintances are similarly exploring citizenship options abroad, reflecting a broader unease among some Americans.
Kimmel’s decision stems from his outspoken criticism of Trump, including a 20-minute monologue on October 29, 2024, where he urged viewers to reconsider supporting Trump, highlighting the former president’s incoherent statements and unfulfilled promises, such as a healthcare plan to replace Obamacare, per TV Insider.
Kimmel’s Italian citizenship, likely obtained through ancestry or other legal pathways, positions him as the latest celebrity contemplating leaving the U.S. amid Trump’s presidency.
The Daily Beast noted that actor Robert De Niro has also considered moving to Italy, citing Trump’s leadership as a reason, while CNN reported that singer Cher is eyeing France as a potential new home.
These sentiments align with a wave of public figures expressing frustration, with Kimmel’s comments resonating particularly due to his platform as host of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Public and Political Reactions
Kimmel’s announcement has drawn polarized responses.
Supporters on platforms like Bluesky, such as @matturo.bsky.social, praised his candidness, viewing his citizenship move as a bold stance against Trump’s policies.
Conversely, Trump supporters on X, including @MichaelARothman, labeled Kimmel’s decision as the “final boss of Trump Derangement Syndrome,” mocking his concerns as exaggerated.
Another X post by @ConservBrief questioned whether Kimmel would follow through, suggesting he recognizes the U.S. as “the best country in the world.”
These reactions, while inconclusive, reflect the divisive discourse surrounding Trump’s presidency and celebrity responses to it.
Kimmel’s history of critiquing Trump, including mocking his “TACO” nickname (Trump Always Chickening Out) and disputes with figures like Elon Musk, has made him a frequent target of MAGA backlash.
A YouTube clip from Jimmy Kimmel Live! highlighted his recent jabs at Trump’s tariff policies and Rudy Giuliani’s attire, further cementing his role as a vocal critic.
His comments also come amid reports of Trump’s alleged plans to “punish” late-night hosts like Kimmel and Stephen Colbert for their satirical commentary, as noted in a September 2024 Rolling Stone article cited by TV Insider.
Context of Celebrity Exodus Threats
Kimmel’s citizenship move taps into a recurring theme of celebrities contemplating emigration during Trump’s political tenure.
In 2016, stars like Amy Schumer and Whoopi Goldberg made similar pledges, though most remained in the U.S., per The Daily Beast. Kimmel himself acknowledged the skepticism, humorously noting that such promises are often empty but emphasizing his citizenship as a practical step.
The process of obtaining Italian citizenship, which can take years through ancestry or residency, underscores Kimmel’s proactive approach.
The broader context includes Trump’s polarizing policies, such as his “Big Beautiful Bill” and federal efficiency cuts, which have fueled public discontent, as seen in contentious GOP town halls reported by Raw Story.
Kimmel’s platform has amplified these issues, with his October 2024 monologue emphasizing the election’s stakes as a matter of “sanity and security,” not just policy.
While Kimmel has not confirmed plans to relocate, his Italian citizenship provides flexibility as he navigates his career and personal life.
As host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which averages millions of viewers, his influence remains significant, and his departure would mark a notable shift in late-night television.
The controversy also highlights ongoing tensions between Trump and media figures, with potential implications for free speech and political satire.
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