Jimmy Fallon Addresses Trump Backlash, Says The Tonight Show Isn't a Political Platform
Jimmy Fallon is steering The Tonight Show away from political controversy as public attention around late-night hosts continues to rise. During an appearance on CNBC’s Squawk on the Street, Fallon addressed the show's content strategy while promoting his new unscripted series On Brand. When asked about navigating political content in monologues, especially on an FCC-regulated network, Fallon highlighted a consistent comedic approach.
Jimmy Fallon reaffirms The Tonight Show's non-political tone, focusing on humor over politics as he navigates past backlash and Trump-era scrutiny.
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“Our show has never really been that political,” Fallon explained. “We hit both sides equally, and we try to make everybody laugh. That’s really the way our show works.” He pointed to the long-running tradition of The Tonight Show, maintaining that its tone and structure remain similar to the era of Johnny Carson. Fallon credited his team of writers, describing them as smart and creative, with a shared goal of producing a funny and widely appealing show.
Fallon's commentary comes at a time when late-night hosts often face backlash for political content. His history with Donald Trump drew significant attention in 2016 after then-candidate Trump appeared on The Tonight Show. A segment during that episode, in which Fallon tousled Trump's hair, sparked criticism online for being overly playful with a controversial figure.
In a later interview with The New York Times, Fallon clarified the intent behind the moment, saying it was meant to be humorous rather than flattering. “I didn’t do it to humanize him,” Fallon said. “I almost did it to minimize him.” The viral segment led to intense online criticism, prompting Fallon to temporarily step back from the internet.
Despite the public reaction, Fallon stayed committed to the show’s comedic philosophy. “I don’t want to be bullied into not being me, and not doing what I think is funny,” he said. Negative social media feedback, he added, wouldn’t dictate the tone of The Tonight Show.
Fallon has occasionally commented on broader media developments, including voicing support for fellow host Jimmy Kimmel after Jimmy Kimmel Live was temporarily pulled from ABC. During a monologue, Fallon acknowledged the situation without diving into political speculation. “I don’t know what’s going on,” he said. “And no one does. But I do know Jimmy Kimmel, and he’s a decent, funny and loving guy and I hope he comes back.”
