The Federal Communications Commission has directed ABC to submit an application for renewal of its broadcast licenses by May 28, a decision that comes amid intensifying backlash over Jimmy Kimmel's controversial joke about First Lady Melania Trump. The licenses were not scheduled to expire until 2028, and the official rationale for the early renewal request is an investigation into the network's diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
However, the timing follows a formal complaint lodged with the FCC against Kimmel. During his late-night show last week, Kimmel quipped that Melania Trump had the glow of an "expectant widow." Days later, a gunman attempted to storm the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night. In the aftermath, both Donald and Melania Trump have called for ABC to take action against the comedian, accusing him of promoting violent rhetoric.
The National Religious Broadcasters association submitted a complaint to the FCC, asserting that Kimmel's remarks "when viewed in context, raise concerns about the normalization and potential incitement of political violence." The NRB also requested a "full and impartial investigation to determine whether federal law or Commission precedent was violated."
"We're seeing a pattern of violence in this country that didn't appear overnight," said Troy Miller, president and CEO of the NRB, in a statement. "When influential voices joke about death or treat political opponents as disposable, it contributes to a culture where violence feels thinkable to the already unstable. National platforms carry real weight, and with that comes responsibility. That's why this warranted action."
The FCC, ABC, and a representative for Kimmel did not immediately respond to requests for comment. On Monday night, Kimmel addressed the controversy on his show, describing the joke as a light roast about the couple's age difference and "not, by any stretch of the definition, a call to assassination." He added, "And they know that. I've been very vocal for many years, speaking out against gun violence, in particular."
Kimmel expressed sympathy for the president and others at the dinner, calling it a "traumatic and scary" ordeal. "I agree that hateful and violent rhetoric is something we should reject," he said. "I do, and I think a great place to start to dial that back would be to have a conversation with your husband about it."
Melania Trump responded on X, calling Kimmel a "coward" and stating, "Kimmel's hateful and violent rhetoric is intended to divide our country. His monologue about my family isn't comedy – his words are corrosive and deepen the political sickness within America. People like Kimmel shouldn't have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate." She urged ABC to take a stand, saying, "Enough is enough. It is time for ABC to take a stand. How many times will ABC's leadership enable Kimmel's atrocious behavior at the expense of our community?"
President Trump echoed his wife's comments on Truth Social, calling for Disney and ABC to fire Kimmel "immediately." This is not the first controversy for Kimmel; in September, he was suspended indefinitely after comments following the murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. That suspension drew criticism from the public, Hollywood figures, and political leaders, who accused the administration of infringing on free speech, leading to Kimmel's return after five days.
