U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett from Dallas made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! where she didn’t hold back on her thoughts about former President Donald Trump and other Republicans. Crockett, who is in her second term in Congress, is known for being bold and outspoken, which has made her a rising star in the Democratic Party.
Challenging Trump to an IQ Test
During the interview, host Jimmy Kimmel played a clip of Trump mocking Crockett during a recent speech. He joked that if she was the Democratic Party’s “new star,” they were in trouble. Crockett responded with laughter and said it was strange that Trump, a former president, was so focused on someone like her — a relatively new member of Congress.
When Kimmel asked if she’d take an IQ test in public to challenge Trump’s comment about her intelligence, she didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely,” she said, as the audience applauded.
Clashing with Republicans
Crockett stood by her past remarks criticizing some Republican lawmakers. One of her most famous moments was a heated exchange with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene during a committee hearing, which went viral. After Greene insulted Crockett’s appearance, Crockett fired back with a sharp retort that ended up on her campaign merchandise.
She also criticized Elon Musk, calling him unqualified for government work. Trump had recently assigned Musk to lead a team aimed at making government agencies more efficient — a move Crockett and other Democrats have strongly opposed.
Backlash Over Abbott Comment
Crockett faced criticism, even from some allies, after calling Texas Governor Greg Abbott “Governor Hot Wheels” — a reference to his use of a wheelchair. Abbott, who was paralyzed in an accident in 1984, responded on Fox News by saying Democrats are out of touch. Crockett later said her comment was aimed at Abbott’s policies, not his disability, but many Republicans didn’t accept her explanation.
A Unique Political Style
Kimmel also talked about Crockett’s background. She grew up in St. Louis and originally planned to become a doctor, but ended up studying law and working as a defense attorney. She later entered politics, serving in the Texas Legislature before being elected to Congress.
Kimmel called her one of the most entertaining politicians in Washington. Crockett said her straightforward style connects with voters who are tired of typical political speeches. She believes Democrats should be more honest and bold, even if that means being blunt.
“People are voting based on how candidates make them feel,” she said. “They want to know someone is being real with them.”
Strong Fundraising Numbers
Crockett’s fiery approach seems to be working — she raised nearly $1.7 million in the first quarter of 2025 for her re-election campaign. She encourages Democrats to focus less on perfect messaging and more on authenticity and passion.
