Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel struggled to hold back tears as he described Donald Trump’s election victory as a “terrible night” for the United States.
The comedian was visibly upset in his opening monologue to his show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, on Wednesday night, saying the choice had been between a criminal and a prosecutor – “and we chose the criminal”.
“It was a terrible night for women, for children, for the hundreds of thousands of hard-working immigrants who make this country go, for health care,” said Kimmel, who paused as he became emotional, before continuing, “for our climate, for science, for journalism, for justice, for free speech”.
He added: “It was a terrible night for poor people, for the middle class, for seniors who rely on social security, for our allies in Ukraine, for Nato, for the truth, and democracy and decency.”
The ABC presenter said it was a “really good night” for Vladimir Putin and the “wriggling brain worms who sold what was left of their souls to bow down to Donald Trump”.
His dismay at the presidential election’s outcome was matched by other late-night hosts on Wednesday, who have long targeted Mr Trump – his serial gaffes, age, voice and legal troubles – in their shows.
Stephen Colbert, the host of The Late Show on CBS, opened it on an uncharacteristically sombre note, almost choking up on air as he asked his viewers how they were.