The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has escalated its conflict with ABC by ordering early license reviews of eight Disney-owned television stations, following President Donald Trump's public outrage over a joke made by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel about First Lady Melania Trump. The FCC, led by Trump appointee Brendan Carr, announced the move on Tuesday, intensifying the administration's ongoing battle with major media outlets.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy began when Kimmel, during a segment on his show, joked that Melania Trump had a glow "like an expectant widow" just days before a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The joke also referenced the age gap between the Trumps, with Kimmel quipping that Melania spends birthdays "looking out a window and whispering, 'What have I done?'"
Reactions from the White House
President Trump swiftly condemned the joke as "beyond the pale" and called for Kimmel to be "immediately fired by Disney and ABC." First Lady Melania Trump also criticized the comedian, describing his remarks as "hateful and violent rhetoric" intended to divide the country. MAGA supporters echoed these sentiments on social media, labeling the joke "sick and tasteless."
FCC Action and Implications
The FCC's early review of ABC station licenses marks a significant escalation. If the reviews lead to license revocations, the stations could be taken off the air. This is the first major crisis for Disney's new CEO, Josh D'Amaro, who must decide how to respond to mounting pressure to discipline Kimmel.
Kimmel's Defense
Kimmel defended his joke on Monday, stating it was a lighthearted reference to the age difference between the Trumps, not an assassination call. He emphasized his long-standing opposition to gun violence and noted that both he and Trump are protected by the First Amendment. Kimmel also apologized to those affected by the shooting at the dinner, saying, "I am sorry that you and the president and everyone in that room on Saturday went through that."
Broader Context
This incident is part of a pattern of tensions between the Trump administration and comedians at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Past roasts by Stephen Colbert and Seth Meyers drew criticism, and in 2018, Trump officials protested Michelle Wolf's jokes about press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Trump has largely avoided the dinner during his presidency. The FCC had previously pressured broadcasters to remove Kimmel's show in September 2025 over comments about the assassination of a conservative activist.
As the situation unfolds, Disney has not commented on Kimmel's status. The comedian remains on air, continuing to address the controversy while asserting his free speech rights.
