Molly McNearney Discusses Family Strain Over Trump Voting Choice

Molly McNearney, the wife of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, has opened up about the personal toll of political divisions within her family, specifically those who voted for Donald Trump. In a candid discussion on the podcast We Can Do Hard Things, McNearney revealed that her political disagreements have led to strained relationships, particularly with family members who supported the former president.

During the episode, McNearney, who serves as a co-head writer and executive producer for Jimmy Kimmel Live!, expressed her emotional struggle. “It hurts me so much because of the personal relationship I now have where my husband is out there fighting this man,” she said. She noted that voting for Trump feels like a rejection of her and her family’s values, leading to a painful distancing from certain relatives.

McNearney’s journey from a conservative upbringing in St. Louis to a vocal supporter of the Democratic Party was a topic of discussion. She attributed her shift in views to her exposure to diverse perspectives after moving away from her hometown. McNearney described her frustration with family members who, in her view, are “deliberately being misinformed every day.”

“I feel like I’m kind of in constant conflict and I’m angry all the time, which isn’t healthy at all,” she admitted. This ongoing tension has led her to send numerous emails to relatives, urging them not to support Trump. Many of her messages went unanswered, while a few elicited extreme reactions, further complicating family dynamics.

As a result of these conflicts, McNearney found solace in her relationships with family members who share her political beliefs. “I’ve definitely pulled in closer with the family that I feel more aligned with. And I hate that this has happened,” she added, highlighting the emotional toll of political divisiveness.

Kimmel’s ongoing feud with Trump dates back to the early days of the former president’s administration. In 2017, Kimmel criticized Trump’s attempts to repeal Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act. The following year, he condemned Trump’s inaction on gun violence after a tragic school shooting in Florida. Their rivalry intensified during Trump’s presidency, with Kimmel using his platform to mock Trump’s actions and statements.

In 2023, Rolling Stone reported that Trump directed his staff to voice complaints to ABC and its parent company, Disney, regarding Kimmel’s jokes about him. Despite the criticisms, Kimmel has remained undeterred, continuing to address Trump during his hosting duties at major events.

The political tension escalated further this summer following the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s late-night show. Trump took to social media to express his delight at Colbert’s departure, hinting that Kimmel could be next due to his alleged lack of talent. Kimmel responded by humorously acknowledging Trump’s comments during his 2024 Oscar hosting stint.

In September, Trump reacted to Kimmel being temporarily taken off the air after remarks made following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. After Kimmel reached an agreement with Disney to return to his show, Trump expressed disbelief, criticizing both Kimmel and ABC for their actions.

As McNearney navigates her complex family relationships, her reflections underscore the broader societal impacts of political polarization. She emphasizes that for her, the conflicts are not merely political but deeply rooted in values, making reconciliation challenging.