Jimmy Kimmel turns Trump’s “smartest man alive” claim into a challenge — an IQ test he’ll broadcast and bankroll himself.NH

Kimmel Proposes Televised Cognitive Test for Trump, Criticizes White House Renovations

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel dedicated a significant portion of his recent monologue to the actions of former President Donald Trump, delivering sharp commentary on White House renovations and issuing a formal challenge for a televised cognitive test against two Democratic congresswomen. Upon returning to his show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” from a family trip, Kimmel shared his perspective on how the United States is currently viewed on the world stage, using his recent travels as a backdrop for his political analysis.

International Concerns and a Political Contrast

Kimmel began his segment by recounting his vacation to Ireland, noting that the trip coincided with the country’s presidential election. He used the experience to frame his opening remarks, telling his audience that foreign observers are apprehensive about the current state of American politics. “In case you’re wondering what other countries think about what’s going on here in our country, I’ll tell you, they’re worried about us,” Kimmel stated. He elaborated on this sentiment with an analogy, comparing the international concern to that for a relative who has fallen on hard times. “They’re worried about us in the same way you worry about a nephew who maybe you haven’t seen for a few years who shows up at Thanksgiving missing all his front teeth,” he said.

The host highlighted the peaceful transfer of power in the Irish election, where Catherine Connolly defeated Heather Humphreys. Kimmel pointed out that after the results, Humphreys extended her well wishes to the victor, commenting, “No caps, no whining about the election being rigged.” With satirical understatement, he added, “Makes you wonder what’s wrong with these people.” This observation served as a direct contrast to the political climate he addressed upon his return to the U.S.

Commentary on White House Demolition

A central focus of Kimmel’s monologue was the ongoing construction at the White House, specifically the demolition of the East Wing to accommodate a new ballroom. Kimmel expressed bewilderment over the project, telling his audience that questions about it were among those he could not answer while abroad. “They had a lot of questions I couldn’t answer, like, ‘Why is he knocking down the White House?’” Kimmel explained. “I don’t know. Nobody knows. I don’t think he even knows.”

To underscore his point, Kimmel presented footage of the demolition work, which he ironically introduced as scenes of “unrest” in Portland before revealing its true location. “Oh, that’s what Trump did on purpose without permission to the White House,” the host said upon correcting the record. He then joked about the financial implications of the renovations, stating, “I told you we should have made him put down a security deposit.”

Kimmel further characterized Trump’s focus on redecoration and redesign as unusual for a sitting president. “Trump is behaving less like a president and more like a Property Brother,” he remarked, referencing the popular home renovation television show. He extended the joke into a satirical theory about Trump’s motives, asking, “Is it possible that he’s planning to sell the White House? He’s going to fix it up and flip it on us.”

The Cognitive Test Challenge

The monologue then shifted to address recent comments made by Trump regarding the intellectual capabilities of his political opponents. Kimmel noted that Trump had told reporters that Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez would be unable to pass a cognitive test he claims to have taken during a presidential health exam.

In response, Kimmel issued a direct and public challenge to the former president. “There’s only one way to find out,” he said. “Let’s do it on TV. Let’s put together the biggest and greatest IQ test of all time. Donald Trump versus Jasmine Crockett. Crockett versus Tubs and AOC.”

Kimmel framed the proposal as a serious offer, volunteering to facilitate the event entirely. “Let’s make this happen,” he declared. “I’m willing to do whatever. I’ll host it. I’ll produce the whole thing. I’ll pay for it.” He even gave the proposed television special a provocative name: “Grandpa Don’s Dementia Bowl.” As a final detail, Kimmel suggested the event could serve as an opening act for a separate, much-discussed event. “Maybe we could make it the undercard before that UFC fight they’re having on the White House lawn,” he suggested, adding that “All proceeds go to fund the government.” The segment concluded with this open challenge, blending political commentary with entertainment spectacle.