- A stunning new Economist/YouGov poll reveals talk show host Jimmy Kimmel is significantly more popular than Donald Trump.
- The survey found a 16-point gap in net favorability, with Kimmel at +3 and Trump at a negative -13.
- This poll follows the massive public backlash against ABC for temporarily suspending Kimmel under pressure from the Trump administration.
- Kimmel’s first monologue after his return shattered his YouTube records, proving massive public support.
Kimmel’s Popularity Soars After Suspension Saga
In a dramatic turn of events that underscores a major public opinion shift, a recent poll by the Economist and YouGov found that late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is substantially more popular than Donald Trump. The survey, conducted after Kimmel’s controversial suspension from ABC, places his net favorability at +3, while Trump languishes at -13, creating a massive 16-point popularity deficit for the former president.
The Backlash That Backfired
The controversy began when ABC suspended Kimmel on September 17th after he criticized the Trump administration. The move was reportedly prompted by threats from FCC chair and Trump loyalist Brendan Carr, who suggested ABC’s broadcast licenses could be at risk. This sparked immediate and widespread outrage, fueling protests over free speech and calls to boycott Disney, ABC’s parent company.
Public pressure worked. ABC reinstated Kimmel just six days later, a move Trump publicly fumed about on social media, calling the network “a true bunch of losers!”
Record-Breaking Return Confirms Public Support
Vindicating his reinstatement, Kimmel’s first monologue back on air became his most-watched ever on YouTube, amassing over 15 million views in its first 16 hours. During the monologue, he labeled his suspension “anti-American,” stating, “This show is not important. What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this.”
Poll Details
The poll surveyed 1,656 U.S. adults between September 26 and 29. It found 44% of respondents viewed Kimmel favorably versus 41% unfavorably. In stark contrast, only 41% viewed Trump favorably, while a majority, 54%, viewed him unfavorably.
Image Referance: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/06/jimmy-kimmel-trump-poll
