Jimmy Kimmel taps Rosie O’Donnell as guest host in jab at Trump

Jimmy Kimmel announced that Rosie O’Donnell will guest host Jimmy Kimmel Live! during his upcoming two-month hiatus, using the reveal to take a playful swipe at President Donald Trump.

During the June 18 episode of the late-night show, Kimmel told viewers he would be stepping away for the summer.

“This time voluntarily,” he joked before unveiling a lineup of celebrity guest hosts who will fill in during his absence.

Kimmel said the rotating roster includes Tiffany Haddish, Colman Domingo, Ike Barinholtz, Anthony Anderson and Jelly Roll. He then saved O’Donnell’s name for last, referencing her long-running feud with Trump.

“We have assembled a potent group of hosts to fill in for me,” Kimmel said. “And, as a special treat for our commander-in-chief, I asked one of his all-time favorites, Rosie O'Donnell, to be here to keep the hits coming.”

“You're welcome,” he added as the audience laughed and applauded. “And all I ask in return, Mr. President, is that you don't do anything stupid while I'm gone. Okay?”

Rosie O'Donnell and Donald Trump Have Feuded for Years

Kimmel’s joke referenced the highly publicised feud between O’Donnell and Trump, which dates back to 2006 when the comedian criticised Trump on The View over his handling of controversy involving Miss USA winner Tara Conner.

Their disagreements have continued for years, often playing out publicly through interviews and social media exchanges.

O’Donnell has previously spoken about the personal impact of the conflict, telling PEOPLE that the criticism she received from Trump felt like the most significant bullying she had experienced.

“Probably the Trump stuff was the most bullying I ever experienced in my life, including as a child,” she said. “It was national, and it was sanctioned societally.”

Kimmel Has Also Clashed With Trump

O’Donnell is not the only guest host with a history of sparring with Trump.

Kimmel himself has frequently criticised the president during his monologues, while Trump has repeatedly attacked the comedian publicly, describing him as “seriously unfunny” and calling for Jimmy Kimmel Live! to be taken off the air.

Despite the public back-and-forth, Kimmel recently suggested he does not harbour deep personal animosity toward Trump.

“I don't love him, but I don't hate him, either,” he told Vulture in a recent interview. “I feel sorry for him. He obviously didn't get hugged a lot.”

O’Donnell’s guest-hosting appearance is expected to be one of several celebrity-led episodes airing while Kimmel remains away from the show this summer.