Jimmy Kimmel’s Bold Plea to Trump: Will He Really Offer a Shocking NEW Award at the WHCD?

Jimmy Kimmel has formally invited Donald Trump to let him host the upcoming White House Correspondents’ Dinner, following Trump's announcement that he will attend this year's event. Kimmel made his appeal during his late-night talk show on Tuesday, just a day after Trump revealed his plans on Truth Social. In his post, Trump boasted about being recognized as one of the greatest presidents, declaring, "It will be my Honor to accept their invitation, and work to make it the GREATEST, HOTTEST, and MOST SPECTACULAR DINNER, OF ANY KIND, EVER!"

Traditionally, the Correspondents' Dinner has been emceed by a comedian, with past hosts including Al Franken, Ray Romano, Seth Meyers, Jon Stewart, Conan O’Brien, and Wanda Sykes. Kimmel humorously pointed out that he himself hosted the dinner back in 2012. This year, however, the event is breaking from tradition by allowing Oz Pearlman, an author and mentalist, to take the stage instead, a choice that Kimmel found puzzling.

“This year, I guess Trump didn’t want to be made fun of by a comedian, so the host is a mentalist,” Kimmel quipped, adding, “We’ll have a mentalist and a mental case onstage together.” While he praised Pearlman as an amazing performer, Kimmel argued that the decision felt like a “cop out.” He continued to press the issue, directly addressing Trump with a light-hearted plea.

“Mr. President, please let me host this dinner,” Kimmel said. “I’ve never asked you for anything, but can you imagine you, me, the commissioner of the FCC, all at a table together? Think of the ratings!” To further entice Trump, Kimmel jokingly offered to present him with a new award, naming it the “Correspondy” or the “Dondy Correspondy,” suggesting it would be exclusive to him.

Despite Kimmel's comedic charm, it seems unlikely that Trump would agree, given their turbulent history. The dynamic between Kimmel and Trump has shifted from typical late-night banter to a full-blown feud, particularly after Kimmel made political comments during the Oscars in 2024. Trump took to social media to label him the "worst host," a jab Kimmel responded to by reading Trump's post aloud on stage. “Isn’t it past your jail time?” he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.

The tension escalated further in September 2025 when ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! after the host made controversial remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Trump seized on this moment, calling it “great news for America” and labeling Kimmel “ratings-challenged” and “untalented.”

Kimmel acknowledged that he doubts Trump would allow him to host due to concerns that he might poke fun at Trump’s visible skin condition, which drew attention at a recent public engagement. This underlying tension adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming dinner, where humor and political atmosphere often collide.

As the date approaches, the question remains: will Trump accept Kimmel’s enthusiastic invitation to join him in what he promises to be the “greatest, hottest, most spectacular dinner of any kind ever”? Regardless of the outcome, the Correspondents' Dinner is bound to capture the public's attention, especially with a lineup that deviates from tradition.