Jimmy Kimmel criticized Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for meeting with Donald Trump to discuss the 2024 general election. The comedian called DeSantis a “pathetic little worm” after reports emerged of their private meeting in Miami. DeSantis, who was once a strong supporter of Trump, had cooled off their friendship after deciding to run against Trump in the Republican presidential primaries. Trump publicly criticized DeSantis, calling him “Meatball Ron” and suggesting he has no personality or viable policies, although Trump denied these claims on Truth Social. Despite their initial tensions, DeSantis endorsed Trump after dropping out of the race, leading to speculation that DeSantis may be chosen as Trump’s running mate in November.
Kimmel mocked DeSantis for reportedly leaving the meeting with Trump’s body bronzer all over his face, hinting at rumors that DeSantis wears makeup. The comedian also joked about DeSantis raising money for Trump’s campaign and Trump’s remarks calling him a “really terrific person.” Kimmel sarcastically imagined being in the room with Trump as he tried to justify calling DeSantis “Meatball” in a positive way. Despite DeSantis’ ambition to run for president again in 2028, Kimmel jokingly pointed out that Trump may also have plans to run for president again in the same year. Kimmel’s criticisms of DeSantis are not new, as he previously called him a “terrible governor of Florida” for opposing Joe Biden’s vaccine passport proposal and mocked his resistance to vaccine passports by highlighting the Republican party’s stringent voter ID laws.
Kimmel has been an outspoken critic of both DeSantis and Trump. He recently made fun of rumors that Trump “farts” in court during his ongoing New York “hush money” trial, ridiculed Trump’s children’s TV appearances, and criticized Trump’s anecdote about a transgender weightlifter that he often uses at rallies and campaign stops. Kimmel’s satirical take on DeSantis and Trump reflect his disdain for their policies and actions, particularly in relation to key issues such as voter ID laws, vaccine passports, and transgender rights. Through his comedy, Kimmel seeks to challenge conventional wisdom and find connections in the search for common ground, highlighting the absurdity and contradictions in the behaviors of political figures like DeSantis and Trump.
The meeting between DeSantis and Trump has raised speculation about their political ambitions and potential collaboration in the upcoming elections. DeSantis’ willingness to engage with Trump, despite their past differences, indicates a strategic move to align himself with the influential former president. Trump’s softened attitude towards DeSantis after his endorsement suggests a possible reconciliation between the two leaders for mutual benefit in the political arena. Kimmel’s satirical portrayal of the meeting and its implications reflects a broader critique of the Republican party’s dynamics, highlighting the opportunistic and self-serving nature of political alliances and personal ambitions in the pursuit of power.
Kimmel’s mockery of DeSantis and Trump’s meeting underscores the absurdity and theatrics of political relationships and alliances in the public eye. By lampooning the power dynamics and interpersonal dynamics between politicians, Kimmel brings attention to the superficiality and self-interest that often drive political decisions and interactions. The comedian’s biting humor serves as a form of political commentary, exposing the contradictions and hypocrisies within the political landscape and shedding light on the performative nature of public figures like DeSantis and Trump. Kimmel’s critique of DeSantis is part of a broader trend in media and popular culture to scrutinize the actions and intentions of politicians, holding them accountable for their words and deeds in a playful yet pointed manner.
