Donald Trump’s presidency has affected many lives, including that of comedian Jimmy Kimmel. Kimmel’s wife, Molly McNearney, recently shared how their family has felt the strain of Trump’s criticisms against her husband.
In a candid moment on the We Can Do Hard Things podcast, McNearney opened up about the rift between them and family members who support Trump. “It hurts me so much because my husband is out there fighting this man,” she said. While she understands family members’ support for Trump in 2016, she finds this new election cycle very different.
“To me, them voting for Trump is them not voting for my husband and our family,” McNearney expressed, explaining that it has strained family relationships. It’s not just about politics for her; it’s personal. She mentioned losing connections with some family members because of this divide.
Kimmel himself has been critical of Trump throughout his late-night show, Jimmy Kimmel Live. Recently, the show’s airing was briefly halted by ABC following Kimmel’s comments about the MAGA response to a controversial incident. However, due to a drop in Disney+ subscriptions, the network reinstated the show just six days later. Despite the backlash, Kimmel continues to speak out against Trump’s views.
McNearney has served as a writer on Kimmel’s show since 2006 and now works as its head writer. She believes that the current divide isn’t just a Democrat versus Republican issue. “It’s about family values,” she said, adding that she grew up cherishing ideals such as caring for the less fortunate. Yet, she feels those values clash with what she perceives as the current Republican party stance.
Despite her conservative roots, McNearney finds herself in conflict. “I’ve sent many emails to family right before the election saying, ‘I’m begging you. Here’s the 10 reasons not to vote for this guy,'” she recalled, noting those efforts didn’t change anyone’s mind. This has led her to bond more closely with family members who share her views, which she finds frustrating.
Kimmel, meanwhile, humorously highlighted the changing political landscape by pointing out his popularity in a recent YouGov poll, joking that he should be rated higher than Trump given their respective records.
As tensions rise, it’s clear that celebrity lives are not untouched by politics. Families across America might relate to the Kimmel-McNearney story, reflecting a broader national discourse on how politics impact personal relationships.
For more insights on how public figures navigate the intersection of personal and political, see this YouGov poll.
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