Jimmy Kimmel: MAGA refusing to admit mistakes ‘the opposite of Christianity’

“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” host Jimmy Kimmel pushed back against critics who say he focuses too heavily on politics, telling former first lady Michelle Obama’s podcast this week that he considers such commentary an unavoidable part of his job.

Kimmel appeared on “IMO,” the podcast hosted by Ms. Obama and her brother Craig Robinson, where he addressed ongoing criticism that his ABC program devotes too much airtime to political subjects.

“It just seems obvious and unavoidable,” Kimmel said on the podcast. “I just can’t imagine on those nights talking about anything other than what we are talking about. I think it would be embarrassing if we didn’t talk about this. It would be shameful.”

Mr. Kimmel also bristled at suggestions that political commentary falls outside the proper scope of late-night television. “Don’t tell me what my job is,” he said. “My job is whatever I decide my job is, whatever my employer allows me to do.”

He invoked the history of American stand-up comedy to defend the practice, saying that critics who compare him unfavorably to Johnny Carson demonstrate “a great deal of ignorance when it comes to comedy.” He cited George Carlin and Richard Pryor as predecessors who engaged with the political climate of their day, and speculated that Carson would have done the same in the current environment.

Mr. Kimmel also addressed viewers who have had second thoughts about their political choices.

“I posted something on Instagram about some of these primarily podcasters who now are having second thoughts about who they endorsed for president,” he said. “I’m grateful to them for being honest and admitting that they were mistaken.”

On the subject of religion and politics, Mr. Kimmel said that refusing to acknowledge mistakes is antithetical to Christianity.

“The cardinal rule of MAGA is to never admit when you are wrong,” Mr. Kimmel said. “First of all, it’s the opposite of Christianity. I mean, it’s the basis of the whole faith … asking for forgiveness. And that seems to be cast aside.”

Mr. Kimmel said he has never voted for a Republican and acknowledged that his political views have cost him personal relationships. His wife has previously said she lost contact with family members over their support for President Trump in the 2024 election.