Jimmy Fallon Addresses Trump Backlash, Says The Tonight Show Isn't a Political Platform

By: Shawn
‎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.
‎Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images
‎
‎“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.”

TRENDING!

Franklin Richards, son of Reed and Sue: Marvel's most powerful child unleashed

Image
‎Born to two of the Marvel Universe's most iconic heroes—Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) and Sue Storm (Invisible Woman)—Franklin Richards was never going to be ordinary. But no one expected this. ‎ Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby in 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps'. ‎ 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios ‎ ‎From the moment he first opened his eyes in New York City, Franklin's destiny was intertwined with the cosmos. Not just another gifted child of superheroes, Franklin emerged as a mutant—or something more—with the ability to reshape existence itself. ‎ ‎His middle name, Benjamin, honors his godfather, Ben Grimm, and his first name, Franklin, pays tribute to his maternal grandfather. But make no mistake: Franklin Richards would earn a name that cosmic entities would fear to speak. ‎ ‎Powers Unleashed: Too Much for Earth to Handle ‎ ‎As a toddler, Franklin’s powers manifested with terrifying potential. When the alien tyrant Annihilus tried to siphon the child’...
Read more

Trump Threatens FCC License Revocations After Jimmy Kimmel Suspension

Image
‎President Donald Trump has escalated his criticism of U.S. broadcast networks, suggesting that their FCC licenses should be revoked if they continue airing what he views as overwhelmingly negative coverage of him. ‎ Donald Trump calls for broadcast networks’ FCC licenses to be revoked after Jimmy Kimmel’s remarks spark controversy and ABC suspends the show. ‎Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images ‎ ‎Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One after returning from a U.K. trip, Trump cited statistics claiming that “97 percent” of news coverage about him is negative. “I have read someplace that the networks were 97 percent against me, I get 97 percent negative, and yet I won and easily,” he said, according to The New York Times. He added, “I would think maybe their license should be taken away.” ‎ ‎The president also described television networks as “an arm of the Democrat party” and accused them of working against him. His comments follow mounting controversy around ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel ...
Read more

The U.S. Government Has Shut Down. Here's What to Know

Image
‎The United States government entered a shutdown at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday following the failure of both Republican and Democratic funding proposals in the Senate. Attempts to pass short-term legislation to keep federal operations running collapsed late Tuesday night, prompting an official shutdown declaration by the White House Office of Management and Budget. ‎ ‎The U.S. government shut down after Senate funding bills failed. Millions face unpaid work, with key services disrupted across the country. ‎Kevin Lamarque/Reuters ‎ ‎Negotiations fell apart over core policy differences. Democrats pushed a bill that would extend Affordable Care Act subsidies and reverse Medicaid cuts. Republicans, meanwhile, backed a temporary funding measure without those provisions. Neither gained enough support to move forward. ‎ ‎Federal agencies were ordered to begin implementing contingency plans. As many as four million federal employees could miss paychecks, including essential personnel who...
Read more

‎James Gunn Explains 'Peacemaker' Season 2's Earth-2 Twist, Danielle Brooks' Input, and DCU Connections

Image
‎James Gunn has shed light on the pivotal Earth-2 storyline in Peacemaker season two, revealing how Danielle Brooks’ input helped shape one of the show’s most sensitive narrative turns. ‎ James Gunn reveals how Peacemaker season 2’s Earth-2 twist was shaped with Danielle Brooks’ input, plus updates on Lex Luthor and DCU ties. ‎Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images ‎ ‎The second season follows Christopher “Peacemaker” Smith (John Cena) as he discovers an alternate reality through his family’s Quantum Unfolding Chamber (QUC). Earth-2 initially offers him everything he has long desired: a loving father, Auggie Smith (Robert Patrick); a supportive Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland); and a grown-up version of his brother Keith (David Denman), who never died in childhood. ‎ ‎By episode five, “Back to the Suture,” Peacemaker chooses to remain in Earth-2, believing he has finally found fulfillment. However, the utopian façade collapses as Evergreen, Washington, is revealed to be a “sund...
Read more

‎Seventeen's S.Coups and Mingyu Launch New Duo CxM with Mini Album HYPE VIBES

Image
‎Seventeen leaders S.Coups and Mingyu have officially teamed up to form CxM, the group’s newest subunit, set to debut with a mini album titled HYPE VIBES. The project arrives September 29, adding another dynamic pairing to Seventeen’s growing lineup of spin-offs. ‎ ‎Seventeen’s S.Coups and Mingyu debut their new unit CxM with mini album HYPE VIBES, showcasing raw chemistry, Hawaii shoots, and six fresh tracks. ‎PLEDIS Entertainment ‎ ‎Over the past year, the 13-member group has experimented with subunits beyond its core vocal, hip-hop, and performance divisions. Jeonghan and Wonwoo introduced JxW, Hoshi and Woozi collaborated as HxW, and the trio BSS — DK, Hoshi, and Seungkwan — gained immense popularity with their earlier debut. Now, Carats are preparing to embrace CxM, a duo that highlights S.Coups and Mingyu’s natural synergy as members of the hip-hop team. ‎ ‎The two artists describe HYPE VIBES as an album rooted in variety and authenticity. During their interview with ...
Read more

‎'Alchemy of Souls' Season 3: Release date, cast news, and future of the K-Drama saga

Image
‎South Korea’s Alchemy of Souls stands as a shining example of the Hong sisters’ mastery in weaving fantasy, romance, and emotional drama into a compelling epic. Set against a backdrop of forbidden magic and soul-shifting sorcery, the series has captivated a global audience since its debut. With Season 2—Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow—delivering a strong conclusion in January 2023, speculation continues to swirl about whether a third installment could be on the horizon. ‎ ‎' Alchemy of Souls. ' ‎Netflix ‎ ‎Fans were left particularly invested in Naksu’s fate as the second season drew to a close. Rather than ending on a dramatic cliffhanger, the series offered a satisfying resolution: Jin Seol relinquished full control of Jin Bu-yeon’s body to Naksu, allowing her to reclaim her life and identity as a powerful mage. The final moments depicted Jang Uk and Naksu receiving blessings from both Songrim and Jinyowon, marking a peaceful and fulfilled ending for the lead ...
Read more

‎'Materialists' review: Celine Song's sophisticated rom-com explores dating, wealth and emotional worth in modern NYC

Image
‎At first glance, the trailer for Materialists might provoke concern from fans of Past Lives. Could Celine Song, known for her nuanced exploration of memory and longing, really be behind what appears to be a glossy, conventional romantic comedy? Fortunately, the answer is far more compelling. Song’s second feature is a smart, layered dissection of love, ambition, and class in the modern urban dating scene — a film as emotionally resonant as it is aesthetically stylish. ‎ ‎ Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal in 'Materialists.' ‎Atsushi Nishijima/A24 ‎ ‎Set in New York City, Materialists follows Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a high-end matchmaker at Adore, an elite agency catering to the city’s wealthiest singles. While the concept might suggest lighthearted matchmaking antics, Song treats Lucy’s work with realism and emotional weight, drawing from her own past experiences in the industry. Lucy is not just navigating the needs of her wealthy clients; she’s also contending with ...
Read more

‎The 'Med Bed' Conspiracy Theory: What Is It and Why Did Trump Promote It?

Image
‎The “med bed” conspiracy theory, which gained attention after former U.S. President Donald Trump shared a video about it on his Truth Social account, has stirred up controversy among online communities. The theory revolves around the idea of a revolutionary technology capable of curing diseases, reversing aging, and even regrowing limbs using AI, quantum tech, and various forms of advanced light waves and frequencies. ‎ ‎Donald Trump recently shared a video promoting the “med bed” theory, a controversial claim of AI-powered hospitals capable of miraculous healing and regenerative technology. ‎Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images ‎ ‎What is the Med Bed Conspiracy? ‎ ‎The med bed theory first emerged in far-right online circles, with many followers claiming that militaries across the world possess top-secret med-bed technology. Believers argue that these devices can heal any illness and rejuvenate cells. Allegedly, the technology employs AI, terahertz light waves, and quantum te...
Read more

Kamala Harris Accuses Trump Administration of Silencing Critics After Jimmy Kimmel Suspension

Image
‎Former Vice President Kamala Harris denounced the Trump administration after ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel following his remarks on Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Harris described the suspension as part of an “assault on free speech,” emphasizing that fear was being used as a weapon to silence critics. ‎ ‎Kamala Harris blasts Trump administration over Jimmy Kimmel’s ABC suspension, calling it an “assault on free speech” amid political backlash. ‎Camille Cohen/AFP via Getty Images ‎ ‎Posting on X, Harris stated, “What we are witnessing is an outright abuse of power,” without directly mentioning Kimmel. She warned that media outlets were caving under government pressure and urged Americans not to remain silent. ‎ ‎Her comments align with a growing number of political leaders and public figures raising alarms about threats to free expression. California Governor Gavin Newsom accused Republicans of orchestrating censorship, describing it as “coordinated” and “dangerous.” ‎ ‎Former...
Read more