President Donald Trump has renewed his calls for ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, escalating a dispute over a joke made about First Lady Melania Trump. In a Thursday morning post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: "When is ABC Fake News Network firing seriously unfunny Jimmy Kimmel, who incompetently presides over one of the Lowest Rated shows on Television? People are angry. It better be soon!!! President DJT."
The demand comes amid growing pressure on ABC following Kimmel's comment during his Thursday broadcast that Melania Trump had the glow of an "expectant widow." Days after the sketch aired, a gunman attempted to storm the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night.
FCC Complaint and License Renewal
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has received a complaint against Kimmel over the joke. In response, the FCC has informed ABC that it must apply to renew its broadcast licenses by May 28. The licenses were not originally due to expire until 2028. According to a filing, the early renewal request is linked to a previous investigation into the company's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices.
Trump's latest outburst underscores the ongoing tension between the White House and the media, particularly ABC and Kimmel, who has been a frequent critic of the president. The network has not yet commented on the president's demands or the FCC's action.
