Jimmy Kimmel mocks House UFC birthday gaffe, fuels feud

A late-night television host's monologue has reignited a feud with the White House, using a broadcast error from a presidential birthday celebration as the latest source of material. During his show on Monday, June 15, 2026, ABC host Jimmy Kimmel mocked a gaffe from the UFC Freedom 250 event held on the White House South Lawn the previous Sunday, which was part of President Donald Trump's 80th birthday festivities.

The incident stemmed from UFC commentator Jon Anik mistakenly introducing First Lady Melania Trump as "First Lady Ivanka" during the live broadcast. Kimmel played the clip for his studio audience, feigning confusion before delivering a punchline. "I guess somebody's birthday wish came true," he quipped. The joke was widely interpreted as a reference to past controversial comments Trump has made about his daughter Ivanka's appearance, including a 2004 radio interview and a 2006 television appearance.

The monologue also included broader criticism of the UFC event itself. Kimmel described the celebration as having "all the refinement and prestige as a Hooters at the Vatican" and characterized it as a "mini January 6th." He criticized the spectacle, alleging the event...