Late-Night Hosts Mock Vice President Vance's Charisma and Appearance

Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert target the administration official during their broadcasts.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:35am

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An abstract close-up photograph featuring shattered glass and glittering sequins, captured in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to create a glamorous, high-fashion aesthetic that conceptually represents the tension and drama of late-night television and celebrity culture.The late-night TV feud between Jimmy Kimmel and Vice President Vance reflects the high-stakes world of political celebrity and media influence.Athens Today

Late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert targeted Vice President JD Vance during their respective broadcasts, mocking what they described as a rough week for the administration official. The commentary followed Vance's April 15, 2026, appearance at a Turning Point USA conference in Athens, Georgia, where Kimmel highlighted the event's low attendance and referenced polling that identifies Vance as the least popular vice president in more than two decades.

Why it matters

The current mockery is part of a broader conflict between Kimmel and the vice president, with the late-night host frequently criticizing Vance's public image and performance in office. This ongoing feud highlights the tense relationship between the administration and some media figures, as well as the potential impact of negative coverage on a vice president's public standing.

The details

Kimmel mocked Vance's appearance and charisma, suggesting he might need to try new eyeliner. The host also detailed several specific developments contributing to Vance's 'rough week,' including his failure to secure a deal to end the war in Iran and his efforts at the Turning Point USA conference to dismiss the friendship between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. Kimmel ridiculed Vance's claims, suggesting he was 'pulling every bit of this out of his ass'.

  • On April 15, 2026, Vance appeared at a Turning Point USA conference in Athens, Georgia.
  • On September 17, 2025, Disney suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! following a backlash regarding on-air comments Kimmel made about Tyler Robinson, the accused assassin of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
  • On September 22, 2025, Disney reinstated the host, and his return episode saw a surge in viewership, drawing 6.5 million viewers.

The players

Jimmy Kimmel

The host of the late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC, who has frequently criticized Vice President Vance and his administration.

JD Vance

The current Vice President of the United States, who has been the target of criticism and mockery from late-night hosts like Jimmy Kimmel.

Stephen Colbert

The host of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS, who also targeted Vice President Vance during his broadcast.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, whose friendship with Jeffrey Epstein was a subject of discussion during Vance's appearance at the Turning Point USA conference.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier and convicted sex offender, whose friendship with Donald Trump was a topic of discussion during Vance's appearance at the Turning Point USA conference.

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What they’re saying

“Weirdly, Americans don't seem to be responding to JD infectious charisma. Maybe it's time for a new eyeliner.”

— Jimmy Kimmel, Late-Night Host

“My ratings aren't very good? Last time I checked, your ratings are somewhere between a hair in your salad and chlamydia.”

— Jimmy Kimmel, Late-Night Host

The takeaway

The ongoing feud between Jimmy Kimmel and Vice President Vance highlights the tense relationship between the administration and some media figures, as well as the potential impact of negative coverage on a vice president's public standing. The late-night host's frequent criticism of Vance's public image and performance in office underscores the importance of political leaders maintaining a positive public persona, especially in the age of social media and 24/7 news coverage.