President Donald Trump has renewed calls for ABC to fire Jimmy Kimmel, describing the late-night host as “seriously unfunny” and accusing him of presiding over one of the “Lowest Rated shows on Television.” In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “When is ABC Fake News Network firing seriously unfunny Jimmy Kimmel... It better be soon!!!”
The demand follows a joke by Kimmel last week in which he suggested that Melania Trump had the glow of an “expectant widow.” Days later, a gunman attempted to storm the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Both Donald and Melania Trump have since called for Kimmel’s dismissal, accusing him of violent rhetoric.
The National Religious Broadcasters association has filed a complaint with the FCC, alleging that Kimmel’s remarks “raise concerns about the normalization and potential incitement of political violence.” The FCC has told ABC that it must apply to renew its broadcast licences by 28 May, though the licences were not due to expire until 2028. A filing indicated the early renewal is related to a previous investigation into the company’s DEI practices.
In response, Kimmel said his joke was “a light roast about the couple’s age difference” and “not, by any stretch of the definition, a call to assassination.” He added: “I think a great place to start to dial that back would be to have a conversation with your husband about it.”
The row began when Melania posted on X describing the talk show host as a “coward” and accusing him of spreading “hateful and violent rhetoric” designed to divide the country. Kimmel has also taken aim at the Trumps’ relationship, saying the two seem “closer than ever” after their awkward hand-holding during King Charles’s visit.
Requests for comment from the FCC and ABC were not immediately answered.
