Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, a frequent critic of President Donald Trump, surprised viewers on Monday by offering praise for the president’s role in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
During his Jimmy Kimmel Live! monologue, the comedian acknowledged the significance of the peace agreement and the release of hostages under the Trump-brokered deal.
“What a day for Donald Trump. You know what? He finally did something positive today,” Kimmel said.
“And I want to give him credit for it, because I know he’s not the type to take credit for himself. Trump was in Israel and Egypt today to celebrate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. All 20 Israeli hostages are home. After 738 days, almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees have been released.”
Jimmy Kimmel Praises Trump for the Israel-Hamas Peace Deal
— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) October 14, 2025
“I know it sounds crazy to say, but good work on that one President Trump.” pic.twitter.com/mBhf9Ana21
The agreement, announced on Oct. 8, marked the release of all remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The plan, a 20-point framework aimed at ending the war and rebuilding Gaza, halted strikes after Hamas’s 2023 attack that restarted the region’s violence.
Kimmel, while acknowledging the progress, maintained his trademark sarcasm.
“We’re only in the first phase of what will undoubtedly be a long and tricky process,” he added. “But the fact is the bombing has stopped, the hostages have been released, and Trump deserves some of the praise for that. So I know it sounds crazy to say, but good work on that one, President Trump. Now, maybe you can not invade Portland. Just an idea.”
The moment marked a change in Kimmel’s usual tone toward Trump, whom he has criticized throughout Trump’s presidency. The praise also came following a turbulent period for Kimmel.
Kimmel returned from a temporary suspension after he faced backlash for comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin, a controversy that drew condemnation from Trump and other conservative figures. While Disney later reinstated Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the show has struggled to maintain the viewership surge it experienced during his comeback episode.
According to Nielsen data, Kimmel’s viewership fell sharply in early October, dropping from 6.5 million during his post-suspension return to 1.9 million by Oct. 2 — a 71% decline. Among the advertiser-coveted 25-54 demographic, his ratings dropped by 85%, returning close to pre-controversy averages.
Still, Kimmel wasn’t the only late-night host to offer a surprising nod to Trump. Fellow comedian Stephen Colbert acknowledged Trump’s success in negotiating the Gaza ceasefire.
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“There is some good news out there,” Colbert said on The Late Show. “Because today, thanks to Trump’s newly brokered ceasefire in Gaza, all living Israeli hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners have been released. It’s important — credit where credit is due — Donald Trump did something good.”
Colbert then joked, “Are we still canceled? I tried. I tried. It’s kind of surprising to see him do something good.”
