Imagine a scene where a flamboyant drag queen sits down with a group of kids to read a book that praises a controversial political family—and before you know it, the pages are literally flying apart in a shower of confetti. That's the wild, hilarious moment that unfolded on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and it's sparking debates everywhere. But here's where it gets controversial: Is turning a memoir into pulp an act of free speech or just plain disrespect? Stick around, because the details will have you questioning your own take on celebrity antics and political satire.
Picture this: Trixie Mattel, the legendary drag superstar and winner of RuPaul's Drag Race, steps onto the late-night show in full, glittering makeup and fabulous attire. She's there to host a storytime session, but with a twist that no one saw coming. Accompanied by a bunch of enthusiastic children, Mattel dives into reading Eric Trump's new book, 'Under Siege: My Family's Fight to Save Our Nation.' For those new to the scene, drag queens like Trixie are performers who exaggerate gender norms through costumes, makeup, and performances, often using humor and flair to entertain and challenge stereotypes—a tradition that dates back to theater and has exploded in popularity thanks to shows like RuPaul's.
The kids, wide-eyed and innocent, weren't afraid of Trixie's dazzling appearance. When she asked if her look scared them, one little one piped up, 'No, you just look amazing—why would that be scary?' It was a sweet moment that highlighted how drag can be empowering and fun, not intimidating. Mattel, ever the comedian, then polled the group on which book to read, joking, 'This is a democracy, after all.' She added a quick, tongue-in-cheek aside: 'At least, it was as of this morning—I'm not entirely sure anymore.' Cleverly poking at current events, she steered them toward a book 'about President Trump's least favorite son,' which is Eric Trump's own memoir. And this is the part most people miss: It wasn't just a casual read; it set the stage for some unfiltered kid opinions that cut straight to the heart of political storytelling.
As Mattel began reading a passage—'Donald Trump is certainly unconventional. He's certainly not politically correct. He also has a heart of gold and is the greatest father a son or daughter could ever have'—one child couldn't hold back. 'Okay, I'm gonna stop you right there. Instead of skipping this page, let's skip the whole book. Nah, better yet, let's ditch storytime and head straight to lunch—I'm starving!' The group laughed, but the critiques kept coming. Another excerpt highlighted Eric's take on his father's legal troubles: 'How is it that my father, who spent over four decades in the public eye, never once received a speeding ticket, triumphed in the 2016 campaign and became president of the United States, and was suddenly charged with almost every crime imaginable, and many unimaginable, in the aftermath?' A kid shouted, 'That doesn't make any sense!' while another chimed in, 'I gotta say, good job for him being president.' Then came the shocker: A third child declared, 'I would kick him in the [bleep].' Mattel, playing it cool, quipped, 'Oh wow, things are escalating fast tonight!' For beginners curious about the context, this book dives into personal defenses against political scandals, portraying Donald Trump as a misunderstood hero, which naturally invites disagreement from those viewing events differently.
But the real climax—and this might be the most divisive moment—happened outdoors. Mattel, calling it a 'science experiment,' announced, 'This might not be a great book, but it's going to make excellent confetti.' With the kids cheering wildly, she fed 'Under Siege' into a trash shredder, turning it into shreds. It's a bold statement on how some see the memoir: not just paper, but a symbol of polarizing views. Trixie Mattel isn't just a drag icon; she's also a savvy YouTube creator, musician, and business mogul. Recently, she graced the cover of The Hollywood Reporter's Creators Issue alongside YouTube CEO Neal Mohan and other top influencers. Plus, THR's 2025 Creators A-List named her one of the most powerful influencers, right alongside her co-host Katya Zamolodchikova from 'The Bald and the Beautiful.' This recognition shows how drag and comedy can blend with digital fame, inspiring fans to think beyond traditional boundaries.
Now, here's the controversial twist: Some might argue this segment is harmless fun, poking fun at politics to entertain. Others could see it as unfairly targeting a man's personal story, especially when kids are involved. Is it okay to use children to amplify criticism of a political figure, or does it cross a line? And what about the act of destroying a book—freedom of expression or censorship in disguise? I'd love to hear your thoughts: Do you think Mattel's approach was hilarious or over the top? Agree or disagree with the kids' blunt reactions? Share your opinions in the comments—let's discuss!
