Trump Calls For Jimmy Kimmel’s Firing After Controversial Remarks

President Donald Trump is calling on ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel following a monologue that has drawn backlash in the aftermath of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting.

The controversy centers on a segment from Jimmy Kimmel Live! in which Kimmel joked about First Lady Melania Trump, including a line referencing her as having “a glow like an expectant widow.” The remark aired just days before a gunman attempted to breach security at the correspondents’ dinner in Washington, D.C.

Reacting on Truth Social, Trump described the joke as a “despicable call to violence” and said Kimmel should be “immediately fired.” He argued the timing of the remarks, followed by the attempted attack, made the situation especially serious.

The incident at the dinner involved a suspect identified by authorities as Cole Tomas Allen, who was stopped by Secret Service agents before reaching the main ballroom. Officials said the attacker was armed and fired multiple rounds, striking an agent who was protected by a ballistic vest. No fatalities were reported.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also condemned the late-night host, questioning how such remarks are broadcast to a national audience and calling the rhetoric inappropriate given the circumstances.

Earlier, Melania Trump issued her own response, criticizing Kimmel’s comments as divisive and harmful. She said public figures should not promote language that could inflame tensions, especially during a period marked by political violence concerns.

The situation has fueled a broader debate about the tone of late-night political humor and whether certain lines are being crossed. Critics of Kimmel argue the joke went too far, particularly in light of the attempted attack, while defenders point to the long tradition of satire targeting political figures.

As of now, ABC has not announced any disciplinary action regarding Kimmel, and the segment remains publicly available.