Jay Leno came under fire on social media after saying he thought Tuesday’s election was “a great day for democracy,” while adding that he was “not a fan” of newly elected President Donald Trump.
The 74-year-old star appeared on Wednesday The conversationwhere he shared his comments on the Republican presidential election victory over Democratic candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris.
“The nice thing about this election is that it was fair, it was fair,” said the former host of The Tonight Show.
The comedy icon said he was “not a fan” of Trump, “but that’s okay, it’s the president of the United States – let’s all come together, thank you very much.”
Leno hosted NBC’s The Tonight Show from 1992 to 2014 and said he feared a close election could lead to “name-calling,” but Tuesday’s proceedings were “professionally conducted.”
Jay Leno, 74, came under fire on social media after saying he thought Tuesday’s election was “a great day for democracy,” while adding 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 The Talk on Wednesday, where he said he thought the election was conducted in a professional manner.
He added: ‘Everyone says it was fair. I mean, it’s a great day for democracy.”
Leno, who hosted the NBC staple for six presidential elections, recalled his experience tailoring his routine to election season material.
“Well, you know, it was different. In my day you made fun of both sides,” Leno said. ‘You received angry letters from both sides. Now you kind of have to pick a side and yeah, it’s a little bit different.”
A number of social media users called out Leno for his comments on the politically charged day.
One user said: ‘Jay Leno just told the nodding heads of The Talk that ‘it’s a great day for democracy.’ The first time he’s funny.’
One user said Leno had “lost his moral way,” while another said Leno’s wealth essentially shielded him from the fallout of the coming change in leadership.
“How nice for the rich white man who will experience minimal or no inconvenience,” said the user.
One user referenced the January 6, 2021 riots, saying, “Why Jay, because the guy who violently threatened the government’s office won and there was no such show? The bar you set Jay is pretty low.”
The comedy icon said he was ‘not a fan’ of Trump, ‘but that’s okay, it’s the president of the United States – let’s all come together, thank you very much’
President-elect Donald Trump delivered a speech Wednesday at the Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida
A number of social media users called out Leno for his comments on the politically charged day
One Leno fan said he felt the comic was out of touch with what Trump’s victory over Harris meant for the country
One Leno fan said he thought the star had no idea what Trump’s victory over Harris meant for 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 large number of Americans today have no confidence in another Trump presidency… and our democracy, whether strong or not, is not central!”
One user defended Leno’s comments, noting that he specifically said he is “not a fan” of Donald Trump, but felt the election itself was fair.