In an unexpected and compelling twist of events, late-night show host Jimmy Kimmel has confirmed securing Italian citizenship. The acclaimed host revealed his decision as a tactical move, influenced by ongoing political disruptions under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Kimmel’s Political Refuge
Jimmy Kimmel made headlines when he disclosed his Italian citizenship acquisition, citing it as an ingenious contingency plan amid escalating concerns about the political environment in the United States. He openly confessed on The Sarah Silverman Podcast that the present state of affairs was far grimmer than anticipated. According to The Economic Times, this move is shared by other celebrities considering relocation as political tensions rise.
Joining the Celebrity Exodus
Kimmel’s decision aligns with a broader trend among public figures like Rosie O’Donnell and Ellen DeGeneres, who have opted to relocate following Trump’s election victory over Kamala Harris. Both former residents of the US, O’Donnell expressed that the safety of her child and the fraught political climate were pivotal factors in her move.
Trump’s Uneasy Relations with Media Figures
The confrontation between Trump and talk show hosts is not new. Kimmel, through his monologues on Jimmy Kimmel Live, has been particularly vocal in his critique of Trump. The political spat escalated, with Trump hinting at potential cancellations of Kimmel’s show in a manner similar to CBS’s decision to end The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
A Strategically Earned Freedom
Despite acknowledging the potential necessity of his Italian citizenship, Kimmel plans to remain with ABC’s late-night show for now. He stated that the citizenship provides flexibility and security if circumstances in the US become intolerable. This strategy echoes a growing sentiment among entertainers choosing to reside abroad during periods of political unrest.
Navigating Changing Political Views
Kimmel didn’t shy away from addressing the criticism aimed at public figures altering their political stance. He referenced Joe Rogan’s controversial shift in views, pressing the importance of permitting change and embracing self-correction. This notion sheds light on a complex narrative about evolving political opinions.
As the late-night show host paves a way forward with dual citizenship, an intersection of comedy, politics, and personal choice unfolds before us. Jimmy Kimmel’s real-life chess move is a testament to how entertainment can influence and be influenced by the political tides.