Jimmy Kimmel’s Wife Cuts Off Trump-Voting Relatives: ‘I’m Angry All the Time — I Wish I Could Un-Program My Brain
Molly McNearney, writer and producer—and wife of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel—recently shared her deeply personal struggles navigating family relationships strained by political divisions. In a candid conversation on the “We Can Do Hard Things” podcast, McNearney recounted the emotional toll that her relatives’ support for Donald Trump in the last election has taken on her, and how her husband’s public opposition to Trump intensified those feelings.
A Sense of Betrayal
For McNearney, the realization that family members cast votes for Trump felt like a personal affront—not just to her, but to her husband. “It felt like a betrayal,” she admitted, describing how anger and disappointment surfaced as she grappled with the knowledge that those closest to her were supporting a candidate whose policies and rhetoric her family publicly opposed. The pain was compounded by Jimmy Kimmel’s outspoken stance against Trump on his show, which made her relatives’ choices feel even more personal.
Attempts at Communication
In the lead-up to the election, McNearney made earnest efforts to sway her family members, sending numerous emails that outlined why she believed Trump was the wrong choice. Her appeals were met with silence by most, while a few responded with extreme reactions, further deepening the divide. The lack of meaningful dialogue left her feeling ignored and isolated, underscoring how political differences can fracture even the closest bonds.
Emotional Toll and Changed Relationships
The aftermath of the election brought a painful reckoning. McNearney spoke openly about the emotional costs of losing relationships over politics, acknowledging how the rift has reshaped her family dynamic. She noted that she now feels closer to relatives who share her political views, while others remain distant—a reality faced by many Americans in today’s polarized climate.
Public Controversy Adds to the Strain
The couple’s podcast appearance came just two months after Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show was briefly pulled off the air following a controversial monologue on September 15. Kimmel had commented on the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, suggesting that Tyler Robinson—the accused—was likely linked to the “MAGA gang.” The segment drew swift backlash, with Sinclair and Nexstar Media, the country’s largest ABC station owners, pressuring Disney to suspend Kimmel for what they called “ill-timed and thus insensitive” remarks.
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10, an event that reignited concerns about political violence. Robinson, 22, was charged with aggravated murder and related crimes. Kimmel returned to his show less than a week after the suspension, but the incident highlighted the volatile intersection of politics, media, and personal lives.
Navigating Political Divides
McNearney’s story is emblematic of a broader struggle faced by families across the country, as political differences increasingly test the limits of familial bonds. Her experience offers a window into the emotional complexities of navigating such divides, and the ways in which public and private spheres can collide. Despite the pain, McNearney has found solidarity with family members who align with her politically, forging tighter connections in the process.
Ultimately, her journey underscores both the challenges and the necessity of finding common ground—or, at the very least, mutual respect—amidst deep political polarization. For McNearney and Kimmel, the path forward means prioritizing relationships that nurture understanding, even as the national conversation grows ever more contentious.
