Jimmy Kimmel Channels Trump, Promises $5,000 to Every Audience Member If Guillermo Wins ‘DWTS’

On Monday night, Jimmy Kimmel appeared to emulate Donald Trump in an effort to keep Guillermo Rodriguez on "Dancing With the Stars." During the taping of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in Brooklyn, the veteran host proclaimed that he would offer $5,000 to every audience member if his sidekick won the competition. Kimmel explained that Rodriguez, his longtime co-host, was unable to join him due to his ongoing participation in the dance show.

"I do have some bad news. Our friend Guillermo is not with us tonight. He had to stay back home because he's been dancing up a storm back home," Kimmel said, expressing his hope that viewers had been keeping up with his performances. He then highlighted Rodriguez's resilience, mentioning that despite receiving the lowest scores in two consecutive episodes, the performer had managed to survive eliminations.

Kimmel cut to a video call with Rodriguez, who confirmed that he was learning faster and enjoying the experience. After praising the contestant's success, Kimmel made his controversial promise, vowing to provide a $5,000 check to every person in the theater if Rodriguez won "Dancing with the Stars." The crowd's enthusiastic response drowned out his subsequent disclaimer that the offer was not officially endorsed by Donald Trump.