In an era dominated by social media spats, few rivalries capture public attention like the ongoing feud between comedian and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. This tension escalated significantly in November 2024, when Musk took to X (formerly Twitter) to brand Kimmel an “insufferable nonsense propaganda puppet.” Kimmel’s biting six-word retort, however, not only dominated headlines but also solidified the comedic host’s reputation for quick-witted comebacks.
Musk’s Provocation: The “Propaganda Puppet” Label

The feud began when Elon Musk—known for his unfiltered commentary on social media—targeted Kimmel with the insult. This came in response to the comedian’s consistent critiques of Musk’s management of X. As well as his broader political and business actions. By calling Kimmel a “propaganda puppet,” Musk implied that the late-night host’s jokes and commentary served a biased agenda rather than being impartial humor.