Late night host Jimmy Kimmel targeted former President Donald Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally in New York City, focusing on what he called an uncomfortable moment between the former president and Melania Trump during her rare campaign appearance.
“Look at the way these two lovebirds interact with each other. Their chemistry, it’s positively smoldering,” Kimmel said on his show, commenting on footage of the couple’s greeting. The late night host suggested Melania’s appearance was “in compliance with Section 3, Subsection 2.7 of her prenuptial agreement.”
The Sunday rally, which took place just over a week before the 2024 election, marked one of Melania Trump‘s few campaign trail appearances this year. Her presence included introducing her husband as “the next commander-in-chief” and delivering remarks about America’s economic stability and quality of life.
Social media and news outlets widely circulated the clip of the couple’s interaction, with observers describing it as “passionless” and noting apparent tension between the former president and first lady.
“We need to reset expectations for the generations and create a country for tomorrow,” Melania Trump told the crowd, addressing concerns about the nation’s current state.
The former first lady’s appearance follows a notable absence from much of the 2024 campaign trail. Prior to the Madison Square Garden event, she had made only selective appearances, including attending the Republican National Convention in July and the Al Smith dinner earlier this month.
The rally itself generated significant attention for its controversial content. New York City Mayor Eric Adams condemned remarks made by several speakers at the event. Among the most criticized moments was comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s comments about Puerto Rico, which drew immediate backlash from both Democrats and Republicans.
Donald Trump used the platform to announce a new tax credit for family caregivers while reiterating his established campaign positions on immigration and foreign policy. The event attracted thousands of supporters, though some attendees departed before the conclusion of Trump’s speech.
The rally highlighted the complex relationship between Donald Trump and his home city, where he built his business empire. Despite New York not having voted for a Republican presidential candidate in four decades, Trump’s campaign expressed optimism about their chances in the state.
Recent polls indicate a close race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris in battleground states. The campaign’s messaging has been complicated by controversial remarks at events like the Madison Square Garden rally, particularly concerning their potential impact on Puerto Rican voters in key states.