Donald Trump has added his voice to the controversy surrounding a resurfaced joke made by Jimmy Kimmel about First Lady Melania Trump, calling for the comedian to be fired by ABC and Disney.
Kimmel's joke sparks backlash after shooting
The joke, which aired on Jimmy Kimmel Live! last Thursday, saw the host parody the White House Correspondents' Dinner and quipped that Melania had the glow of an “expectant widow.” Days later, a gunman opened fire at the actual event in Washington, D.C., and was apprehended. Investigators believe the suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, 31, was targeting members of the Trump administration.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Trump slammed Kimmel as “in no way funny as attested to by his terrible Television Ratings” and described the joke as “really shocking” and “far beyond the pale.” He added, “Jimmy Kimmel should be immediately fired by Disney and ABC. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Melania's earlier call for ABC to act
The president's remarks came hours after Melania Trump posted on X, urging ABC to “take a stand.” She wrote, “Kimmel’s hateful and violent rhetoric is intended to divide our country. ... A coward, Kimmel hides behind ABC because he knows the network will keep running cover to protect him. Enough is enough. It is time for ABC to take a stand.”
The Independent has reached out to ABC and Kimmel’s representatives for comment.
Background: Kimmel's past controversies
This is not the first time Kimmel has faced backlash. In September last year, his show was taken off air following controversial remarks about the killing of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk. The suspension was lifted after criticism from figures including former President Barack Obama, who raised free speech concerns. Upon his return, Kimmel acknowledged that some felt his remarks were “ill-timed or unclear.”
Just three months later, Kimmel and ABC agreed to a contract extension through May 2027.
Ongoing feud between Trump and Kimmel
The president and Kimmel have exchanged barbs for months. In March, Trump called Kimmel a “loser” on Fox News’ The Five, saying, “He gets no ratings, none. He’s got no talent.” Many Trump supporters have since taken to X to condemn Kimmel over the Melania joke, with some calling for ABC to issue an on-air apology or have its license revoked.
