President Donald Trump delivered an unexpected message to reporters on September 18, following criticism of late-night television personalities, saying, “Thank you, everybody. Have a good flight. Fly safely,” after his ongoing feud with comedian Jimmy Kimmel.

He added, “You know why I say that? Because I’m on the flight. Otherwise I wouldn’t care.”

Supporters of Trump described the comment as humorous, while it drew accusations of narcissism and insensitivity from others.

The president’s remarks came after he continued his social media campaign against Kimmel on his Truth Social platform, sharing footage from the March 2024 Academy Awards ceremony where Kimmel addressed Trump’s past criticism during the live show.

Trump posted a video of Kimmel reading one of his posts while hosting the Oscars, where Trump, then a presidential candidate, criticized Kimmel’s opening act as coming from a “less than average person.” However, Trump’s version strategically left out Kimmel’s complete response, which concluded with a pointed reference to the president’s legal issues.

The president captioned his post by asserting Kimmel embarrassed himself during the event, claiming that Kimmel’s wife and agent urged him not to respond to the social media criticism. Trump labeled Kimmel as one of the worst hosts in Academy Awards history and directed followers to watch the edited clip.

The edited footage shared by Trump ended before Kimmel’s full comeback, which included thanking Trump for watching and questioning whether it was past his jail time. The unedited exchange revealed a more pointed response than Trump’s shortened version indicated.

This latest social media action follows ABC’s controversial temporary suspension of Kimmel’s late-night show, which has garnered significant attention in the entertainment industry. The network’s decision sparked reactions from various media figures and ignited debates about comedy and political commentary in late-night television.

Throughout his political career, Trump has consistently targeted media figures and comedians. His criticism often focuses on television personalities who mock his administration or policies during their shows. The president frequently utilizes his social media platforms to address perceived slights or criticisms from entertainment figures.

The timing of Trump’s latest remarks aligns with broader tensions between his administration and various media outlets. His administration has adopted an increasingly confrontational stance toward press coverage, with officials frequently challenging reporters and news organizations during briefings and public appearances.

The president’s unusual farewell to reporters reflects his complex relationship with the press corps. Despite his frequent criticisms of media coverage, Trump regularly engages with reporters and often extends interactions beyond scheduled time limits. His parting words about flight safety represented an unusual moment of seeming concern for the press members’ well-being.

Trump’s focus on late-night comedians demonstrates his continued attention to popular culture and the entertainment media’s portrayal of his presidency. He has historically been sensitive to comedic portrayals and often responds directly to jokes or sketches referencing his administration or personal traits.

The ongoing dispute between Trump and Kimmel represents a broader dynamic between political figures and entertainment personalities. Late-night television has increasingly become a platform for political commentary, leading to more frequent exchanges between hosts and the politicians they discuss.

The president’s comments to the press pool occurred amid ongoing discussions about media access and the relationship between the administration and news organizations. His unusual sign-off suggested a momentary departure from his typical adversarial tone toward reporters, though it followed his criticism of entertainment industry figures.

After discussions between Kimmel and Disney, and strong public support for the late-night comedian, he returned to the air on Tuesday, September 23. Several affiliate stations had initially chosen not to broadcast the show, but they have since broadcast the show after pressure from ABC and Disney. Kimmel was outspoken and defiant upon his return.