What’s an awards show without an entertaining monologue?
The 2025 ESPYs featured some highlight moments from
host comedian Shane Gillis
, with the opening monologue jumping into jokes about
President Donald Trump
and the hot-topic
Epstein files
.
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One Trump joke involved
New York Yankees
star Juan Soto, who is from the Dominican Republic, and
NBA
Commissioner Adam Silver.
“Joe Rogan actually wanted me to be here to host this award show so that I could capture Adam Silver because Joe thinks he’s an alien. And Donald Trump wanted me to be here to capture Juan Soto for the same reason,” he said.
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Shane Gillis: “Joe Rogan actually wanted me to be here to host this award show so that I could capture Adam Silver because Joe thinks he’s an alien. And Donald Trump wanted me to be here to capture Juan Soto for the same reason.”
#ESPYs
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There was, however, criticism to Gillis about the racism against Soto involved in the joke.
Another Trump joke mentioned the January 6 insurrection on the White House, to which Gillis tied in the president’s plans to stage a
UFC fight on the house’s lawn
.
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“Donald Trump wants to stage a UFC fight on the White House lawn. The last time he staged a fight in D.C., Mike Pence almost died,” Gillis said.
The joke then carried over into the Epstein files after a brief pause and Gillis joking he didn’t write the material.
“Actually, there was supposed to be an Epstein joke here, but I guess it got deleted. Must’ve probably deleted itself, right? Probably never existed, actually,” he said.
Shane Gillis: “Donald Trump wants to stage a UFC fight on the White House lawn. The last time he staged a fight in D.C., Mike Pence almost died… Actually, there was supposed to be an Epstein joke here, but I guess it got deleted…”
#ESPYs
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Other figures involved in Gillis’ jokes included
WNBA
star Caitlin Clark, new
NBA
MVP and champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, UNC head coach Bill Belichick and
Olympic
legend Simone Biles, among more.
