Jimmy Kimmel criticized Donald Trump on Monday for allegedly hosting the lowest-rated Kennedy Center Honors telecast in history, referencing a prior claim Trump purportedly made about stepping down if such an event occurred. Kimmel made the remarks during his first monologue of 2026 on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" after returning from a winter break.

Kimmel stated, "After boasting about what a great host he is and how much better he is than I am and how huge his ratings would be, Trump hosted the lowest rated Kennedy Center Honors telecast of all time." The comedian did not specify the exact ratings figures or provide a source for Trump's alleged promise to step down.

The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual event that recognizes individuals for their lifetime contributions to American performing arts. The telecast of the event typically draws a significant audience, though viewership can fluctuate depending on the honorees and the overall television landscape.

The criticism from Kimmel arrives amid ongoing discussions about the role of artificial intelligence in media and entertainment. AI is increasingly being used to analyze audience data and predict viewership trends. These AI systems use machine learning algorithms to process vast amounts of data, including historical ratings, social media engagement, and demographic information, to forecast the potential success of television programs and events.

The use of AI in predicting television ratings raises questions about the future of content creation and distribution. Some industry experts believe that AI could lead to more targeted and personalized content, potentially increasing viewership and engagement. Others worry that an over-reliance on AI could stifle creativity and lead to a homogenization of content, as networks prioritize programs that are predicted to perform well based on historical data.

Developments in AI-driven content analysis are also impacting how late-night shows like "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" gauge their success. AI tools can now analyze the sentiment of social media posts related to the show, providing real-time feedback on which jokes and segments resonate most with viewers. This data can then be used to refine the show's content and improve its overall performance.

As of Tuesday, neither Trump nor representatives for the Kennedy Center have publicly responded to Kimmel's remarks. The ratings for the Kennedy Center Honors telecast have not been independently verified.