Jimmy Kimmel has described Donald Trump as a “star” and “the most famous person in the world”.

The talk show host, who appeared to hold back tears on live television after Mr Trump won a second term, also credited liberal outrage as a factor in the president’s second win.

The 57-year-old host of the late night show Jimmy Kimmel Live!, who has repeatedly skewered the president and was recently accused of condoning attacks on Tesla cars, told Rolling Stone he does not think anyone should be cancelled and claimed there is too much policing of comedy.

“When people ask me why they think Trump won, I really believe the reason more than anything is he’s so much more famous than Kamala Harris,” Kimmel said.

“He is a celebrity. He is a star. He is the most famous person in the world. And it’s hard to compete with that.”