Jimmy Kimmel Draws Parallels Between His Trump Feud and Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Father’s Spot on Nixon’s Enemies List

Jimmy Kimmel is finding unexpected common ground with Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ late father — both targeted by presidents who didn’t appreciate their voices.

During the Sept. 25 broadcast of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Louis-Dreyfus revealed that her father, French-American billionaire businessman Gérard “William” Louis-Dreyfus, once appeared on President Richard Nixon’s infamous “enemies list.” Kimmel immediately noted how “interestingly similar” that felt to his own ongoing clashes with President Donald Trump.

“He was a big civil rights activist and a big proponent of voter protection — and [the] First Amendment, of course,” Louis-Dreyfus, 64, explained. “He made it onto Nixon’s enemies list.”

Asked if her father found that frightening, she said the opposite: “It was a badge of honor to him.”

Nixon’s “enemies list” contained hundreds of names, including actors, journalists, and political figures, many with ties to the Democratic Party, according to History.com. The former president was accused of using government agencies to harass people on the list, which was believed to have included nearly 500 individuals. William Louis-Dreyfus kept a printed copy.

Kimmel surprised the audience by pulling out a framed version of that list from under his desk. “Now, I want to say, to Nixon’s credit — at least he released his list,” he quipped, throwing shade at Trump.

“Richard Nixon seems quaint at the moment we’re living through,” Louis-Dreyfus replied.

Their exchange came as Kimmel’s feud with Trump escalates. The late-night host’s show was briefly suspended on Sept. 17 following his remarks about the investigation into Charlie Kirk’s death. ABC’s move came after Trump’s Federal Communications Commission chair publicly warned, “we can do this the easy way or the hard way.”

Trump, 79, had already been calling for Jimmy Kimmel Live! to be canceled for months. The suspension triggered a wave of public backlash against Disney and ABC, with critics questioning whether the FCC was trampling on the First Amendment. The network reinstated Kimmel’s show on Sept. 23.

Hours before his return, Kimmel honored the late Norman Lear on Instagram, writing, “Missing this guy today.” Lear, like Louis-Dreyfus’ father, had also appeared on Nixon’s enemies list and was outspoken against the FCC.

Despite his reinstatement, two major local TV station owners continue to refuse to broadcast Jimmy Kimmel Live! in their markets.