Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has taken aim at Fox News after the outlet’s coverage of a recent military ceremony sparked controversy online. During his monologue, Kimmel mocked the network over what critics claim was an attempt to downplay President Donald Trump’s hat at an event honoring fallen U.S. service members. Fox News has since issued a statement explaining the situation. Nonetheless, Kimmel suggested he wasn’t convinced by the network’s explanation.
Jimmy Kimmel criticizes Fox News’ coverage of Donald Trump at dignified transfer
Jimmy Kimmel used his late-night platform to question Fox News’ handling of footage from a recent dignified transfer ceremony attended by President Donald Trump. The event at Dover Air Force Base honored six U.S. service members who died during the ongoing conflict with Iran.
According to reports, Trump attended the ceremony wearing a white baseball cap featuring the letters “USA” on the front, “45-47” on the side, and a small American flag emblem. Some commentators and critics argued that the choice of headwear appeared inappropriate for such a solemn military ceremony.
During his show, Kimmel claimed Fox News appeared to minimize the moment by airing older footage from a previous dignified transfer ceremony rather than showing the most recent visuals. The network later acknowledged that archival footage from a December 2025 transfer had mistakenly aired during coverage.
In a statement addressing the broadcast (via Daily Beast), a spokesperson said the network had “inadvertently aired file footage from a previous dignified transfer.” The network also said it “regretted the error” and apologized for airing the incorrect footage.
Kimmel, however, joked that the explanation sounded less than convincing. “We deeply regret the error, and deeply regret getting caught for the error,” the comedian quipped during his monologue.
He went on to suggest that the network often defends the president during controversial moments. “Whenever the president does something shameful, the heroes at Fox News swoop in to clean it up for him,” Kimmel added.
Kimmel then delivered another sarcastic jab at the network’s former tagline. “Not just fair: fair and balanced, folks,” he said, referencing the slogan Fox News stopped using nearly 10 years ago.
Meanwhile, the situation has drawn criticism from other public figures as well. California Governor Gavin Newsom reposted footage of the ceremony online. In the post, he wrote that Fox News appeared “too embarrassed” to air the clip. He also urged Trump to “take off that hat and show some d**n respect.”
Originally reported by Zahrah Patel on Reality Tea.
