Jimmy Kimmel To U.K. Viewers That “Tyranny Is Booming” in the U.S. in Alternative Christmas Message
Jimmy Kimmel delivered the U.K.’s annual “Alternative Christmas Message” on Channel 4 this year, using the high-profile slot to issue a sharp and emotional warning about the political climate in the United States. The late-night host told British viewers that “tyranny is booming over here,” adding that 2025 had been a great year “from a fascism perspective.”
A Sharp Counterpoint to the King’s Speech
Channel 4 has a long tradition of selecting notable and often controversial figures to present a counter-message to the monarch’s annual Christmas address. Past speakers have included Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Edward Snowden. The network said Kimmel was chosen because he has “found himself on the front line of America’s battle over free speech.”
Kimmel opened his message by joking that he knew little about the U.K. tradition but didn’t hesitate to comment on the state of his own country. According to the comedian, the U.S. is facing a dangerous moment — one he sees as fueling authoritarianism.
Kimmel Reflects on His ABC Suspension
Kimmel revisited his September 2025 suspension from ABC, which followed comments he made about the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The suspension, widely seen as driven by the Trump administration and FCC pressure, sparked intense public backlash.
“President Trump wanted to shut me up because I don’t adore him in the way he likes to be adored,” Kimmel said, adding that mass protests and online outrage forced ABC executives to restore the show within days.
“We won, the president lost, and now I’m back on the air every night.”
A Warning About Democratic Backsliding
Throughout the message, Kimmel criticized the administration’s attacks on institutions such as the press, science, medicine, and judicial independence. He mockingly referred to the president as “King Donny the Eighth” and “the guy who thinks he is our king.”
“We are a right mess,” he said, apologizing to British viewers for any ripple effects the U.S. political turmoil may have on their country.
Kimmel urged the U.K. to stay patient with America, suggesting the nation could stabilize by 2028, when the next presidential election may reset the political landscape.
“I want you to know that we’re not all like him,” he said. “It may not seem like it, but we love you guys.”
A Dramatic Contrast to King Charles III’s Address
Kimmel’s pointed remarks aired just hours after King Charles III’s Christmas message, which emphasized compassion, unity, and the “great diversity” of modern Britain. The king also spoke positively about meeting people from non-Christian faiths — a message that stood in stark contrast to the Trump administration’s recent rhetoric about Europe facing the “prospect of civilizational erasure.”
As Kimmel’s message continues to draw global attention, his remarks underscore a turbulent year for American politics and illuminate the ongoing clash between comedy, free expression, and political power. For more international news and breaking political updates, continue reading on InvestRecords.com, your trusted source for global reporting.
