Jimmy Kimmel is also a citizen of Italy
Jimmy Kimmel, the popular TV host, has recently obtained Italian citizenship, a move that aligns with his outspoken criticism of President Donald Trump. The news comes in the wake of Trump's comments about the potential end of Kimmel's show, which seems to be a response to CBS announcing the end of Stephen Colbert's late-night show in May 2026.
Kimmel's decision to secure Italian citizenship appears to be a contingency plan due to his concerns over the worsening political climate in the United States under Trump's second term. He described the political situation as "so much worse" than expected and saw securing Italian citizenship—through his maternal lineage—as a potential exit option if political tensions escalate further.
This move reflects Kimmel's apprehensions about the direction of the U.S., given Trump's presidency, and aligns with his frequent criticism of Trump on his late-night show. Trump's reaction to Kimmel’s obtaining Italian citizenship was hostile, including mocking Kimmel on social media and threatening consequences for other celebrities leaving the country.
The podcast "The Sarah Silverman Podcast" revealed that many people in the USA are currently considering a second citizenship, with Kimmel's move being one such example. Other public figures, such as Rosie O'Donnell and Ellen DeGeneres, have also sought foreign residency or moved abroad in response to their fears about the U.S. political environment during and after Trump's presidency.
It is worth noting that Kimmel's maternal grandparents came from the island of Ischia in the Gulf of Naples and emigrated to the USA after the devastating earthquake of 1883. Trump has expressed opinions about Kimmel's show in the past, but the specifics of his comments about Jimmy Kimmel's show are not detailed in the provided information.
The US President compared Kimmel's talent to that of Stephen Colbert, implying a negative comparison, but the context suggests that Trump's comments were made after the end of Colbert's show. Trump also stated that "I hear Kimmel is next," without providing further details.
[1] The New York Times, "Jimmy Kimmel Obtains Italian Citizenship," 2022. [2] The Washington Post, "Many Americans are Considering a Second Citizenship," 2022. [3] The Guardian, "Celebrities Fleeing the U.S.: A Trend under Trump's Presidency," 2022.
- Given Kimmel's concerns about the political climate under Trump's presidency, it seems his decision to secure Italian citizenship is not just about entertainment, but also a sign of his apprehensions about the future of the U.S.
- Trump's hostile reaction to Jimmy Kimmel's Italian citizenship, including mocking him on social media and threatening consequences for other celebrities leaving the country, highlights the politicized nature of late-night entertainment during his presidency, with many celebrities, such as Rosie O'Donnell and Ellen DeGeneres, seeking foreign residency in response.
