Trevor Noah suspects Donald Trump is particularly irked by Jimmy Kimmel because the late-night comedy host was a big deal during the years that the former president was more focused on entertainment media.
Appearing on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on Tuesday, the former “Daily Show” host suggested that Trump doesn’t pay him much attention because “I’m so new to him,” unlike Kimmel.
“Here’s what I’ve noticed. Trump’s annoyance of people is directly proportional to how big they were when he, like, focused on the media. Does that make sense?” Noah told Kimmel. “Like, Time Magazine is still the biggest thing in his life. And then obviously, Jimmy Kimmel, ‘SNL,’ if they insult him, he gets really angry about it.”
“I’m so new to him that he’s just like, ‘wow, that that guy!’” he added.
“Jimmy Kimmel Live” has been on air since 2003, the year before the debut of Trump’s reality TV show, “The Apprentice.” Noah left “The Daily Show” in 2022 after seven years hosting it.
Trump has beef with nearly all the late-night hosts, but he’s particularly triggered by Kimmel, trading barbs with him on a regular basis.
“I have a little extra something with him, because he used to really like me. I’m not sure exactly why, and I broke his little heart somehow,” Kimmel told Noah.
“You realize you could rekindle the friendship and change this country?” Noah asked.
“I don’t think it would change the country,” Kimmel said. “I know I could rekindle the friendship with one compliment. That would be all it takes. And that’s why he’s such a terrible choice for president, because you can turn him around with a simple comment.”
Check out Noah’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” appearance below.