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Rosie O'Donnell news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Rosie O'Donnell guest-hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live! to 1.87 million viewers. Her return signals a late-night comeback amid Trump feuds.
Background
Rosie O'Donnell, a longtime critic of Donald Trump, returned to network television as guest host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! for the week of Aug. 17, 2026, while Kimmel was on vacation. Her booking drew attention due to her history with Trump, who has targeted her for nearly two decades. The stint marks her return to a format she once dominated in the 1990s.
How it unfolded
- Aug 17, 2026Rosie O'Donnell began her week as guest host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, with Kimmel introducing her as 'a special treat' for Trump.
- Aug 18, 2026Her first monologue drew 1.87 million viewers and 2.4 million YouTube views, more than double other guest hosts. She called Trump 'Mango Mussolini' but barely mentioned him.
- Aug 19, 2026On her second night, she mocked Trump's claim that the Strait of Hormuz is 'NEW U.S. Territory,' joking about the absurdity.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Ratings success indicates strong audience interest in O'Donnell's return, though not yet at Kimmel's level.
- Public
- Viewers praised her monologue, with YouTube views more than double those of other guest hosts.
- Caution
- Some note that her ratings are still below Kimmel's usual numbers, suggesting a limited appeal.