Former President Donald Trump recently predicted the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon’s late-night shows, prompting a swift and pointed response from Kimmel that referenced an alleged “wonderful secret” related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump Sets Sights on Late-Night Hosts
Days after celebrating the news of Stephen Colbert’s show ending in 2026, Donald Trump took to his platform, Truth Social, to declare who he believes is next. He gloated about Colbert being “fired” and then turned his attention to Jimmy Kimmel, stating, “he is the next one to go.”
Trump didn’t stop there, also predicting the departure of Jimmy Fallon. He labeled Kimmel, Fallon, and Colbert as “no-talent” hacks who have “ruined what used to be great television,” even praising Fox’s Greg Gutfeld as superior to them all.
Kimmel’s Swift and Sharp Reply
Known for their ongoing feud, Kimmel wasted no time firing back. Just minutes after Trump’s jab, he responded on Instagram with a cryptic message: “I’m hearing you’re next. Or maybe it’s just another wonderful secret.”
This “wonderful secret” phrase was a subtle yet direct reference that immediately grabbed attention.
The “Wonderful Secret” Revealed
Kimmel’s use of “wonderful secret” was a pointed callback to a Wall Street Journal report from July 17. This report detailed a 2003 birthday letter from Donald Trump to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender.
According to the WSJ, the letter was typed inside the outline of a hand-drawn naked woman. It concluded with the phrase, “Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.”
Trump’s Lawsuit Over Epstein Report
Following the Wall Street Journal’s report, Trump filed a defamation lawsuit against Dow Jones & Co. and News Corp’s Rupert Murdoch, along with two journalists involved in the story. He sought at least $20 billion in damages.
The Wall Street Journal firmly defended its reporting, stating, “We have full confidence in the rigour and accuracy of our reporting, and will vigorously defend against any lawsuit.”
Colbert’s Show Nears Its End
Meanwhile, CBS announced the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” by the end of the 2025–26 season, citing financial reasons and a “tough” late-night economy. Despite the network’s explanation, the timing raised eyebrows.
Just before the news broke, Colbert had publicly criticized Paramount for quietly settling a $16 million lawsuit filed by Trump regarding a “60 Minutes” segment. Colbert had described the settlement as a “fat bribe,” suggesting it was an attempt to clear the way for a Skydance merger.
- Donald Trump predicted the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon’s late-night shows.
- Jimmy Kimmel responded with a direct jab referencing a “wonderful secret.”
- The “wonderful secret” alludes to a Wall Street Journal report about Trump’s 2003 letter to Jeffrey Epstein.
- CBS cited financial reasons for ending Stephen Colbert’s show, though the timing coincided with Colbert’s comments on a Trump-related lawsuit settlement.
This latest exchange highlights the ongoing public sparring between political figures and late-night television hosts, often blurring the lines between entertainment and current events.
