Trump vs. Late-Night: Why Kimmel and Colbert Face Pressure, But Jimmy Fallon Remains Untouched

In the ever-polarized world of American media, late-night television has become more than just entertainment — it’s a political battleground. Over the past few years, Donald Trump has openly clashed with several prominent TV hosts, often singling out Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert as “dangerous,” “nasty,” or “unfunny.” Yet one name is rarely mentioned in his tirades: Jimmy Fallon.

As Kimmel’s Late Night recently faced suspension amid political controversy, and Colbert continues to navigate constant attacks from the former president’s supporters, many are asking: Why does Trump seem to have influence over some hosts — but not Jimmy Fallon?

Political Tone vs. Apolitical Comedy

The key difference lies in each host’s approach to politics. Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert have built their late-night platforms around sharp political commentary, particularly during the Trump administration. Colbert’s nightly monologues often skewered Trump with biting satire, while Kimmel evolved from a mostly apolitical comedian to a vocal critic of Trump-era policies, from healthcare to gun control.

This political tone made both men targets. Trump frequently responded with public insults, and his supporters followed suit. Campaigns to boycott their shows or pressure advertisers weren’t uncommon. In Kimmel’s case, a recent monologue criticizing Trump’s response to political violence led to FCC scrutiny and ABC affiliates pulling the show — a move widely seen as the result of mounting political pressure.

In contrast, Jimmy Fallon has largely stayed away from political controversy. His show leans toward celebrity interviews, music segments, and games, appealing to a broader, less politically divided audience. Fallon has occasionally joked about politics, but he avoids deep dives or moral critiques. That neutrality has, perhaps unintentionally, shielded him from Trump’s wrath.

Trump’s Indirect Leverage

It’s important to note that Donald Trump doesn’t have direct control over television networks. However, he does hold indirect leverage — through his influence over public opinion, media narratives, and federal regulatory bodies like the FCC. By publicly attacking certain hosts and labeling networks as “enemies of the people,” Trump can stir up pressure that impacts business decisions behind the scenes.

When political backlash grows — especially from conservative viewers, media conglomerates, or advertisers — networks may act preemptively. That was reportedly the case with Jimmy Kimmel, whose show was pulled before the FCC could even issue a formal ruling.

Colbert, while more protected under CBS’s structure, has also faced backlash and pressure from sponsors in the past. But Fallon, by steering clear of political landmines, avoids becoming a lightning rod — and thus remains outside of Trump’s crosshairs.

The Cost of Speaking Out

Ultimately, the late-night divide reflects a deeper cultural split in America. Hosts like Kimmel and Colbert choose to engage in political and moral discourse, accepting the risks that come with it. Fallon, by focusing on entertainment, avoids those risks — and in doing so, escapes Trump’s attention.

Whether that’s strategic or coincidental, one thing is clear: in today’s media landscape, what you say — or don’t say — determines how much power someone like Donald Trump can have over your career.