Jay Leno came under fire on social media after saying he felt Tuesday’s election marked “a great day for democracy” and added that he was “not a fan” of President-elect Donald Trump.
The 74-year-old star appeared on Wednesday The talkwhere he shared his comments on the Republican’s victory in the presidential election over Democratic candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris.
“The good thing about this election is that it was fair and honest,” the former Tonight Show host said.
The comedy icon said he was “not a fan” of Trump, “but that’s okay, he’s the president of the United States, let’s all get together, thank you very much.”
Leno, who hosted NBC’s The Tonight Show from 1992 to 2014, said he feared a close election could result in “insults” but that Tuesday’s proceedings were “professionally conducted.”
Jay Leno, 74, came under fire on social media after saying he felt Tuesday’s election marked “a great day for democracy” and added that he was “not a fan” of President-elect Donald Trump.
Leno, who hosted NBC’s The Tonight Show from 1992 to 2014, appeared on Wednesday’s The Talk, where he said he felt the election was handled professionally.
He added: ‘Everyone says he was honest. “I mean, it’s a great day for democracy.”
Leno, who hosted NBC’s staple show during six presidential elections, recalled his experience adapting his routine to election season material.
“Well, you know, it was different: In my day, you made fun of both sides,” Leno said. “You would get angry letters from both sides. Now you have to take sides and, yes, it is a little different.”
Several social media users criticized Leno for his comments on such a politically charged day.
One user said: ‘Jay Leno just told The Talk that “it’s a great day for democracy.” It’s the first time he’s been funny.
One user said Leno “lost his moral direction,” while another said Leno’s wealth essentially protected him from the fallout of the coming leadership change.
“How good for the rich white man, who will be minimally negatively affected,” the user said.
One user referred to the January 6, 2021 riots and said, “Why Jay, because the guy who violently threatened the government function won and there wasn’t a big show?” The bar you’ve set for Jay is pretty low.
The comedy icon said he was “not a fan” of Trump, “but that’s okay, he’s the president of the United States, let’s all get together, thank you very much.”
President-elect Donald Trump gave a speech Wednesday at the Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Several social media users criticized Leno for his comments on a politically charged day.
One Leno fan said he felt the comic was out of touch with what Trump’s victory over Harris meant to the country.
One Leno fan said he felt the star was unaware of what Trump’s victory over Harris meant to the country.
‘I like you but I don’t think you have your finger on the pulse of what Americans are feeling tonight!!!’ said one user. ‘We are MORE divided and a good number of Americans today do not feel safe about another Trump presidency…and our democracy, whether strong or not, is not the center of attention!’
One user defended Leno’s comments, noting that he specifically said he is “not a fan” of Donald Trump, but thought the election itself was conducted fairly.