Famous TV Host Obtains Citizenship from Great-Grandfather's Homeland After Expressing Disdain for Trump

Stars Continue to Leave the U.S. After Trump’s Re-election
Kimmel, Who Obtained Italian Citizenship, Says Situation Is "Serious"

Jimmy Kimmel, a popular American talk show host, has joined the wave of people leaving the United States following President Donald Trump's re-election. He recently announced that he has obtained Italian citizenship.

Jimmy Kiel, who announced that he has acquired Italian citizenship. Jimmy Kiel Instagram

According to reports from The Guardian and other foreign media outlets on the 13th (local time), Kimmel appeared on comedian Sarah Silverman's podcast and revealed, "I received citizenship thanks to my beloved grandmother Edith, who is from Candida in the province of Avellino in southern Italy." He went on to say, "Many people I know are wondering where they can obtain citizenship. What is happening now is much more serious and unbelievable than expected." With these remarks, Kimmel expressed his deep disappointment and concern about American society after Trump's re-election.

At an Italian National Day event held in Los Angeles this past June, Kimmel also emphasized his Italian heritage by sharing that his great-grandfather was from Ischia, an island near Naples. In the past, Italy granted citizenship to those who could prove their ancestors resided in the country at the time of the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. However, as of April this year, eligibility has been restricted to those with parents or grandparents of Italian origin.

Kimmel, who hosts ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live," has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration alongside Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart. In response, President Trump publicly stated, "Jimmy Kimmel is next," after CBS announced last month that it would cancel "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" due to production costs.

Disappointment over Trump's re-election has also led other celebrities to move abroad. Actress and comedian Rosie O'Donnell relocated to Ireland in January, and comedian Ellen DeGeneres and her same-sex partner, actress Portia de Rossi, have recently decided to move to the United Kingdom.