Jimmy Kimmel Pledges Awards to Trump if ICE Exits Minneapolis
In a bold statement on his late-night show, Jimmy Kimmel offered to give one of his awards to Donald Trump, proposing a unique exchange. Kimmel suggested he would present the president with an award if he agreed to withdraw U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from Minneapolis.
Kimmel’s Offer and Trump’s Response
This offer was made in the context of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presenting her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump at the White House. Kimmel highlighted this event during his Thursday night segment, criticizing Trump’s lukewarm reaction to Machado’s acknowledgment.
- Kimmel’s awards included:
- Daytime Emmy
- Clio Award
- Webby Award
- Writers Guild of America Award
- 2015 Soul Train Award for White Person of the Year (mock award)
- Trump’s interaction with Machado was perceived as a way to foster goodwill after his earlier dismissal of her leadership capabilities.
Kimmel’s Take on Awards and Trump’s Preferences
Kimmel pointed out that Trump has a genuine affinity for awards. He quipped that giving him an award might be the key to influence his actions. Kimmel urged Trump to consider his offer: if he removes ICE from Minneapolis, he would receive any or all of Kimmel’s awards.
In a playful jab, Kimmel remarked, “I personally deliver any or even all of these to the Oval Office in exchange for leaving the people of Minneapolis alone.” His humorous tone accentuated the absurdity of the situation, engaging his audience during the live telecast.
Reactions to the Proposal
The humorous exchange sparked various reactions, including a comeback from White House Communications Director Steven Cheung. Cheung tweeted that Kimmel should keep his awards in case he needed to pawn them after being let go for poor ratings.
Earlier that day, the Nobel Peace Center emphasized the enduring nature of the Nobel title, stating, “A medal can change owners, but the title of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot,” highlighting the significance and respect surrounding such awards.
Kimmel’s light-hearted yet pointed commentary about Trump’s affection for accolades and the state of ICE in Minneapolis continues to draw attention to broader political issues as the situation in Venezuela progresses.