Jelly Roll has stepped in as guest host of Jimmy Kimmel Live this week and used the opportunity to take aim at Donald Trump for making fun of fat people while also being overweight.
The country singer, who is filling in for Jimmy Kimmel for four nights, noted that his appearance on the show marks the first time he’s “worn a suit and a tie ever.” “I didn’t wear one to the Grammys,” he said. “I didn’t wear one to court. I didn’t wear one to my father’s funeral. But I look alright, don’t I?”
During his monologue, Jelly Roll discussed the “main event in America this weekend,” the IndyCar race in Washington, D.C., hosted by Trump.
“The president seemed to enjoy the IndyCar race, which was a real switch-up for him because normally he only likes his own race,” Jelly Roll quipped. “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.”
He added, “Sadly those are the only laps Trump’s been doing lately. According to the Washington Post, a lot of doctors are worried about the president’s weight. After his last physical we found out Trump gained 14 pounds, which means he’s now tipping the scales of almost 240.”
Jelly Roll reflected on how over the past few years he’s actually lost 300 pounds. “That means I’ve lost an entire Donald Trump,” he said. “And let’s be honest, based on his approval rating it seems like most of the country wants to do the same thing.”
The singer reminded the audience not to make fun of the president for his weight “because we know that he would never do that to other people.” The late-night show then played a series of clips of Trump making fun of people based on their size and appearance.
“Well Mr. President, from one fat pig to another, take it from me that physical fitness is very important,” Jelly Roll said. “And trust me, you’ll be happy to see your penis again.”
At the Grammys earlier this year, Jelly Roll said he’s long been disconnected from the world of politics but plans to speak out “in the most loud and clear way.” After winning Best Contemporary Country Album for Beautifully Broken at the Grammy Awards on Sunday night, Jelly Roll stopped by the press room, where a Rolling Stone reporter asked if he wanted to comment on the state of the country.
“I hate to be the artist aesthetic, aloof, but I’ve become so disconnected from what’s happening,” he replied. “I grew up in a house insane pandemonium. I didn’t even know politics were fucking real until I was in my mid-twenties in jail. … When you grow up in a drug addict household, do you think we have common calls about what’s happening in world politics? We’re just trying to find a way to survive, man, you know?”
Jelly Roll first stepped in as Kimmel’s guest host last year. His guests last night include podcast host Jay Shetty and Chad Powers actor Glen Powell. During his interview with Powell, Jelly Roll revealed that he has a small role in the actor’s forthcoming film The Comeback King.
“Jelly crushes it,” Powell said. “It’s the first time I’ve ever sang on screen and it’s in front of Jelly, Miranda Lambert, and Brad Paisley. It’s the most terrifying experience of my life.”
