Vice President Vance dropped a sharp quip Thursday morning, suggesting Secretary of State Marco Rubio might add yet another title to his resume as the new host of ABC’s late-night show. The jab came just after the network pulled comedian Jimmy Kimmel off the air Wednesday night.
According to The Hill, Vance took to X with a playful nod to Rubio’s growing list of roles under President Trump’s second term. “Everyone please congratulate @marcorubio, the new host of ABC’s late night show!” he wrote, poking at the idea of Rubio stepping into Kimmel’s shoes.
This isn’t the first time Rubio’s juggling act has drawn attention, as he’s already balancing multiple high-profile positions. The humor lands with a subtle dig at ABC’s decision to sideline Kimmel, a move many see as long overdue, given his relentless criticism of conservative figures.
Rubio’s ascent in Trump’s administration has been nothing short of a whirlwind, starting with his interim appointment in May to replace former national security adviser Mike Waltz. He also took on the acting head role at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) back in February.
Last month, Rubio passed the USAID position to Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought as the administration moves to shutter the foreign aid agency. “I joked with @realDonaldTrump that I had four jobs. He told me to give one to my friend Russ Vought. So I did,” Rubio posted on Truth Social, showing a knack for lighthearted banter amid serious work.
Even during a Cabinet meeting before Labor Day, Rubio couldn’t resist a quip about his workload, saying, “This is the most meaningful Labor Day of my life as someone with four jobs.” The room erupted in laughter, a rare moment of levity in the often tense world of politics.
ABC’s decision to yank Kimmel off the air indefinitely came Wednesday night, spurred by his comments on the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. President Trump didn’t hold back, hailing the network’s choice as “Great News for America” on Truth Social.
“Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done,” Trump wrote, taking a swipe at Kimmel’s talent and ratings, even comparing them unfavorably to Stephen Colbert’s struggling show. It’s no secret that both comedians have built their brands on sharp jabs at the president, often crossing lines that alienate half the country.
Colbert, too, recently saw his own late-night slot canceled, a decision that sparked outrage among Democrats but felt like a correction to many who’ve grown weary of one-sided Hollywood preaching. ABC’s move on Kimmel, though, seems to carry extra weight, especially with the timing so close to other pressures on the network.
The network’s decision didn’t happen in a vacuum, as Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr had openly threatened to revoke ABC affiliate licenses during an interview with right-wing podcaster Benny Johnson. “We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” Carr warned, signaling that inaction on Kimmel could lead to serious repercussions.
Carr’s stance reflects a broader frustration with media outlets that seem to prioritize progressive agendas over balanced discourse. His words suggest a push for accountability, a reminder that public airwaves aren’t a free-for-all for personal vendettas dressed as comedy.
While some cry censorship, others argue this is less about silencing voices and more about resetting a tone that’s grown toxic over years of unchecked bias. The FCC’s involvement, subtle or not, raises valid questions about where the line should be drawn in late-night entertainment.
As Rubio continues to wear multiple hats, from Secretary of State to acting head of the National Archives and Records Administration, Vance’s quip about him hosting a late-night show feels like a clever jab at both ABC and the broader cultural moment. It’s a nod to the idea that even a busy statesman might do a better job than some of the current talking heads.
The ousting of Kimmel, paired with Colbert’s earlier exit, signals a potential shift in how networks handle their late-night lineup, especially under scrutiny from figures like Carr and a public increasingly skeptical of elitist humor. For too long, these shows have leaned on cheap shots at conservatives while dodging real accountability.
Whether Rubio ever steps near a studio desk or not, the message from Vance and Trump is clear: the days of unchecked bias in entertainment might just be numbered. And if ABC’s recent actions are any indication, that reckoning could reshape how America unwinds after the nightly news.
