Why Jimmy Kimmel Chose Italy Over Trump'S America

Jimmy Kimmel's Italian Move

Jimmy Kimmel has made headlines by acquiring Italian citizenship, joining a growing list of celebrities reconsidering their options in light of Donald Trump's re-election in 2024. The late-night host discussed the decision on The Sarah Silverman Podcast, where his Italian lineage allowed him to secure citizenship earlier this year, as confirmed by Italian news agency Ansa.

“I did get Italian citizenship,” Kimmel revealed. “What’s going on is as bad as you thought it was gonna be. It’s so much worse – it’s just unbelievable. I feel like it’s probably even worse than he would like it to be.”

Kimmel, known for his outspoken criticism of Trump, isn’t alone in seeking a change of scenery. Rosie O'Donnell has settled in Ireland, and Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi have relocated to the UK, citing the more welcoming atmosphere and concerns over LGBTQ+ rights in the US.

Tracing Ancestral Roots

Kimmel’s Italian heritage played a significant role in his decision. During an Italian Republic Day event in Los Angeles, he shared that his grandfather’s family originally hailed from Ischia, an island near Naples, moving to New York after a devastating earthquake in 1883. He also credited his beloved grandmother Edith, who hailed from Candida in the province of Avellino, with helping him secure citizenship.

"I have just obtained citizenship, thanks to my beloved grandmother Edith, whose family came from Candida," Kimmel jokingly remarked, sharing a fond memory of her telling him, “You have the brain of a hamster!”

Late-Night Hosts in the Spotlight

Kimmel isn’t the only late-night host voicing dissent against the Trump administration. Names like John Oliver, Jon Stewart, and Stephen Colbert have also used their platforms to critique the former president. The recent axing of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert by CBS, following his criticism of the network’s settlement with Trump, stirred controversy. Trump, never shy about his opinions, celebrated Colbert’s departure and hinted at Kimmel being next.

Meanwhile, Kimmel expressed a more inclusive view, encouraging former Trump supporters to reassess their stances. “The door has to stay open. If you want to change your mind, that’s so hard to do. If you want to admit you were wrong, that is so hard and so rare to do. You are welcome,” Kimmel stated on Silverman’s show, highlighting the importance of dialogue and understanding in these polarized times.