Comedian Jim Gaffigan defended his comments criticizing President-elect Trump, noting that he doesn't regret making them, even if “true, hardcore” MAGA fans will never forgive him. .
Gaffigan, known as a “clean” comedian, posted online in 2020 calling Trump a “fraud.” This fall, he appeared on “Saturday Night Live,” playing Vice Presidential candidate Gov. Tim Walz (D-Minnesota).
He was asked about his own statements and criticisms of the president-elect.appearon The Daily Beast's podcast “The Last Laugh.”
“I regret that people think I'm criticizing people who support Trump,” Gaffigan said. “That was never my intention.”
He said he doesn't regret publicly opposing Trump, but acknowledged he may have lost some fans because of it.
“I also acknowledge that there are probably true die-hard Trump fans who have enjoyed my comedy, but they are so passionate that they will never forgive me,” he said. .
Gaffigan said he has noticed that throughout his career in stand-up comedy, fans come and go. He claimed that while the backlash he received for criticizing Trump was significant, it did not have much of an impact.
“I can't say it was measurable. But there were certainly comments on social media and there are still comments,” he said.
Gaffigan reflected on his career and the lack of political comedy. He gave a speech at the 2024 Al Smith Dinner in New York, slamming President Trump and the political establishment, including the wealthy. “I'm not a roast comedian,” he said on the podcast. “I mean, I love politics, but I don't talk about it. So I knew I would get a backlash if I made jokes about either side, but I also thought it was worth it.” Ta.”
