Kimmel Roasts Hegseth's 'Romantic' Trump Praise
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel satirized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's effusive praise of Donald Trump during an impeachment push, joking he was 'gunning for Melania's spot.'
House Republicans voted 211-204 to block an impeachment procedural vote against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, referring the resolution to committee. The move followed an effort by Kentucky Republican Representative Thomas Massie, who was the only Republican to oppose the procedural delay.
Hegseth defends Trump
At his first Pentagon press conference since May, Hegseth delivered a forceful defense of former President Donald Trump. He described Trump as the best commander-in-chief and said serving as his secretary of war was the honor of a lifetime. Hegseth, who referred to himself as the self-proclaimed secretary of war, stated that Trump lives and breathes America First. He added that any day Trump would have him, he would be right there at the podium.
Kimmel satirizes speech
On his Tuesday night monologue, Jimmy Kimmel mocked Hegseth's remarks as intensely romantic. Kimmel joked that the speech may have been the most romantic he had ever heard from a secretary of war. He suggested that in that case, he now pronounced them husband and wife. Kimmel warned Melania Trump to look out, saying Pretty Pete was gunning for her spot. He concluded that somebody was having a shot of impeach-flavored schnapps at the Pentagon that night.
Kimmel framed the speech as a standard tactic within Trump's circle when under pressure. He said Hegseth smeared on the chapstick, got down on his knees, and kissed the royal ass.
Other satirical takes
Fellow late-night host Seth Meyers also offered a satirical take. He deadpanned a reaction to the idea that someone as qualified as a fictional person could have lost. In a separate joke, Meyers noted that when his mother used his full name, Seth Adam Meyers, he would go straight to his room.
Trump responded to the events on his Truth Social platform. He praised Hegseth's defense against Massie, awarding him an A PLUS PLUS PLUS. Trump called Massie a total loser. White House spokesman Davis Ingle criticized Kimmel, alleging the host's Trump Derangement Syndrome was so advanced it had rotted his peanut-sized brain.
