Jimmy Kimmel Roasts Trump at Alternative White House Correspondents’ Dinner Jimmy Kimmel delivered a sharp-witted roast of Donald Trump during an alternative White House Correspondents’ Dinner event held on April 24, 2026, after traditional comedians were excluded from the official gathering. The late-night host took aim at the president’s sensitivity to criticism, describing him as “a delicate snowflake with the thinnest fat skin of any human being ever.” Kimmel opened his set by noting the unusual attire of the crowd, remarking, “Glance at you all dressed up in formal wear — dresses, tuxedos — I haven’t seen this much black since every page of the Trump-Epstein Files.” He continued with jokes about Trump’s anticipated reaction, saying, “We’re gonna have fun tonight, and I’m happy you decided to stay, Mr. President. And don’t worry, if we bruise your ego, it’ll only make your hands look less disgusting.” The host too turned his attention to First Lady Melania Trump, commenting on her recent ventures. “Look at Melania, so attractive,” Kimmel said. “Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.” He then referenced her documentary project, stating, “As you’re all aware, Melania’s a movie star now. Her documentary has a score of 10 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, which is a website named after her husband’s testicles.” Kimmel explained the context for the alternative event, noting that Trump had decided not to attend the traditional White House Correspondents’ Dinner after learning a comedian would be hosting. “This is the first time Trump is even going to the correspondents’ dinner as president,” Kimmel said, “but he doesn’t have to worry about being made fun of, because the event isn’t being hosted by a comedian this year.” Instead, the White House Correspondents’ Association had hired mentalist Oz Pearlman to perform at the official dinner. The alternative event allowed Kimmel to deliver the kind of pointed humor that has become a staple of the annual gathering, which typically features a presidential roast followed by a counter-roast from the commander-in-chief. By highlighting Trump’s well-documented aversion to comedy and criticism, Kimmel framed the president’s absence from the traditional event as a missed opportunity for levity in what is normally a lighthearted tradition. The roast underscored the ongoing tension between the presidency and the press corps, particularly regarding how the administration handles satire and public commentary. Kimmel’s performance served as both a critique of Trump’s approach to media relations and a continuation of the long-standing tradition of using humor to hold power accountable.
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