Seth Meyers, John Oliver call Jimmy Kimmel their shield

Seth Meyers and John Oliver used humor to make a pointed observation about Jimmy Kimmel’s place in the late-night ecosystem, telling the Jimmy Kimmel Live! host that he serves as their “bulletproof vest” when it comes to President Donald Trump.

During a Thursday conversation, Oliver said Kimmel’s name frequently comes up during the question-and-answer segments of the stand-up shows he performs with Meyers. Audience members, he explained, often ask what it is like to be disliked by the current president. Oliver said their answer is usually simple: as long as Kimmel remains on the air, they are doing fine.

Meyers quickly added his own explanation, telling Kimmel that he draws most of the president’s anger. Oliver then extended the joke, saying both he and Meyers fully support Kimmel and stand behind him the way people stand behind a bulletproof vest.

Why Kimmel seems to get the most attention

The conversation turned to why Kimmel appears to attract more notice from Trump than some of his late-night peers. Meyers suggested that, aside from Kimmel’s obvious dislike of the president, Trump may see him as someone he would actually want to spend time with. In contrast, Meyers joked that he and Oliver likely come across as “a couple of dorks” who would not command much respect from him even if they were supporters.

Meyers went further, imagining Trump admiring Kimmel’s lifestyle and social circle. He joked that Trump might be impressed by details such as Kimmel having a pizza oven, knowing people like Larry David and Conan O’Brien, and throwing the kind of parties that sound fun to attend.

Kimmel responded by noting that Trump never seemed especially upset with Jon Stewart, though he does direct criticism at Meyers from time to time. Kimmel speculated that viewing habits may explain some of the difference. He suggested the president mainly watches major broadcast networks and probably does not subscribe to HBO, where Oliver’s show airs. Kimmel also joked that Trump likely does not have Comedy Central either and, like many people, would not know where to find it.

Kimmel then offered another theory about Meyers. Because Meyers’ show airs later at night, Kimmel said, it may simply be on past the president’s bedtime, despite how late he appears to stay up posting online.

Meyers answered with a joke of his own, saying that when Trump comments on his show online, it always happens while the program is actually airing. He said that means a lot to him, not because he enjoys the criticism, but because it suggests the president is watching live, complete with commercials.

Sharp White House response

After the exchange, Fox News Digital sought comment from the White House. Spokesperson Davis Ingle responded by attacking all three hosts in blunt terms. In remarks to Fox News Digital, Ingle mocked Meyers and accused him of suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”

The White House also criticized Oliver in a separate statement, calling him “a pathetic moron” with a poorly rated show. It then referred Fox News Digital to an earlier statement about Kimmel, which described him as a “no-talent loser” with falling ratings and accused him of spreading falsehoods to a shrinking audience.

Taken together, the exchange underscored the long-running tension between Trump and late-night television. For Meyers, Oliver, and Kimmel, that friction remains a source of comedy. For the White House, it remains another front in a broader media battle that continues to play out in public.