What's Inside?
- Jimmy Kimmel reveals Italian citizenship, linking his decision to political unrest under Donald Trump’s second term in the White House.
- Kimmel shares heartfelt family history from Italy, connecting heritage pride with a modern decision to secure dual citizenship rights.
- Ongoing feud with Donald Trump intensifies as both exchange sharp remarks following CBS’s announcement about Stephen Colbert’s show ending.
Jimmy Kimmel has officially become an Italian citizen, a decision he says was partly fueled by the turbulent political climate under Donald Trump’s leadership. The late-night host revealed the news during an appearance on The Sarah Silverman Podcast, describing Trump’s second term as “so much worse” than anyone had anticipated. His move puts him among a growing list of high-profile figures seeking alternate citizenships amid concerns over America’s political trajectory.
Jimmy Kimmel Explains His Move and Heritage Ties to Italy
When Silverman mentioned that many people were contemplating where to obtain citizenship, Jimmy Kimmel didn’t hesitate: “I did get Italian citizenship,” he confirmed. Expanding on his reasoning, Kimmel remarked, “What’s going on is as bad as you thought it was gonna be. It’s so much worse—it’s just unbelievable. I feel like it’s probably even worse than he would like it to be.”
Late Night host Jimmy Kimmel reveals he has obtained Italian citizenship to possibly flee America because of President Trump.
pic.twitter.com/JAHAXshdfU— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) August 9, 2025
Kimmel’s path to Italian citizenship was deeply personal. Speaking at an Italian Republic Day event earlier this year, he recounted how his grandfather’s parents emigrated from the island of Ischia to New York after an earthquake in 1883 devastated their family. His beloved grandmother Edith, from the town of Candida in Avellino province, often teased him with the phrase, “You have the brain of a hamster!” That heritage, paired with current political frustrations, ultimately motivated him to formalize his ties to Italy.
Italian news agency Ansa confirmed that Kimmel obtained citizenship earlier this year after proving his ancestral lineage. His decision mirrors that of celebrities like Rosie O’Donnell, who relocated to Ireland, and Ellen DeGeneres, who moved to the UK with wife Portia de Rossi over concerns about the state of LGBTQ+ rights in the United States.
Longstanding Feud Between Jimmy Kimmel and Donald Trump Escalates
Jimmy Kimmel’s announcement comes amid a renewed public spat with Trump. After CBS revealed The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would end following the 2025–26 season, Trump took to Truth Social to claim Kimmel would be “next to go in the untalented Late Night Sweepstakes.” The president wrote, “These are people with absolutely NO TALENT, who were paid Millions of Dollars for destroying what used to be GREAT Television… I hope I played a major part in it!”
Kimmel, never one to shy away from a retort, quipped back, “I’m hearing you’re next. Or maybe it’s just another wonderful secret.” His jab referenced a Wall Street Journal report alleging that Trump sent a “bawdy” letter to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003.
Despite their rivalry, Kimmel took a surprisingly empathetic stance toward former Trump voters who have since changed their minds. On Silverman’s show, he rejected the idea of shutting them out: “The door has to stay open. If you want to change your mind, that’s so hard to do… you are welcome.” He argued that admitting you were wrong is both rare and courageous—a position he says Democrats should embrace if they want lasting political change.
For years, Kimmel has used his platform on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to critique Trump’s policies, often with biting humor. Trump has consistently fired back, particularly targeting Kimmel’s ratings and talent. Now, with Italian citizenship in his pocket and his voice as sharp as ever, Kimmel shows no sign of backing down. His latest move might be a personal safeguard—but it’s also another reminder that, for him, political comedy is personal.
