The latest flashpoint stems from a joke Kimmel made as part of a mock roast ahead of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. In the segment, Kimmel quipped, “Look at Melania, so beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.” The remark resurfaced earlier this week, triggering backlash from the Trumps.
Responding to the controversy during his Jimmy Kimmel Live! monologue, Kimmel addressed calls for his removal. However, Trump appeared unconvinced.
Taking to Truth Social on April 30, Trump wrote, “When is ABC Fake News Network firing seriously unfunny Jimmy Kimmel… who incompetently presides over one of the Lowest Rated shows on Television? People are angry. It better be soon!!!”
The renewed attack comes even as The Walt Disney Company and its network ABC have not issued any official statement on the matter. According to sources, it remains unclear whether any action against Kimmel is being considered.
The controversy dates back to earlier this week when the joke gained traction following an alleged shooting incident linked to the Correspondents’ Dinner. Kimmel’s sketch had included multiple jabs at Trump, including remarks targeting his appearance and ego.
Despite the backlash, responses from public figures have been relatively muted compared to previous instances. While some, including Ted Cruz and Adam Carolla, have come out in Kimmel’s defence, the broader reaction has been less intense.
Kimmel, for his part, has continued to mock Trump’s demands on air. In a recent episode, he said, “Only Donald Trump would demand I be fired for making a joke about his old age and then, a day later, go out and make a joke about his own old age.”
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Separately, the Federal Communications Commission has sought an early review of ABC’s broadcast licences, a move that has drawn scrutiny amid concerns over the agency’s actions under chairman Brendan Carr.
In the same post, he also broadened his criticism to global politics, saying, “The Chancellor of Germany should spend more time on ending the war with Russia/Ukraine (Where he has been totally ineffective!), and fixing his broken Country, especially Immigration and Energy, and less time on interfering with those that are getting rid of the Iran Nuclear threat, thereby making the World, including Germany, a safer place! President DJT.”