Melania Trump and Donald Trump have publicly called for Jimmy Kimmel’s firing after he made a controversial joke about her. This comes just days before a violent incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Kimmel’s quip—referring to Melania as having “a glow like an expectant widow”—aired only two days prior to the shooting, igniting outrage among the Trumps. Melania accused Kimmel of “hateful and violent rhetoric,” stating, “His monologue about my family isn’t comedy; his words are corrosive and deepen the political sickness within America.”
In response, she urged ABC to take action against him, declaring, “Enough is enough. It is time for ABC to take a stand.” Donald Trump backed her call, insisting that “Jimmy Kimmel should be immediately fired by Disney and ABC.” The couple’s comments reflect escalating tensions in late-night comedy, where political rhetoric often sparks fierce debates.
Critics have rallied around Kimmel too. A petition supporting him has amassed over 230,000 signatures, showcasing a divide in public opinion. Yet, the backlash has not been limited to fans; various Republicans—including Meghan McCain—have voiced their discontent with Kimmel’s remarks.
This isn’t the first time Kimmel has faced scrutiny. His show was previously suspended amid threats from FCC chairman Brendan Carr due to political pressure. Observers note that this incident highlights the delicate balance between free speech and accountability in entertainment.
What remains uncertain is how ABC will respond to the Trumps’ demands. Will they align with the growing calls for accountability or stand by their comedian? The network has yet to release an official statement regarding the matter.