Trump Urges ABC to Fire Jimmy Kimmel Over Melania Joke

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – US President Donald Trump has called on broadcaster ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel following a controversial joke about First Lady Melania Trump that sparked backlash from the White House.

The controversy stems from Kimmel’s April 23 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where he delivered a mock monologue styled as an alternative to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. During the segment, Kimmel made a remark about Melania Trump, saying she had “the glow of an expectant widow.”

As reported by The Indian Express, President Trump reacted strongly, urging ABC and its parent company, The Walt Disney Company, to take action. “Jimmy Kimmel should be immediately fired,” Trump said in a social media post, adding that the joke went “far beyond the pale.”

Melania Trump also criticized the comedian, calling his remarks “hateful and violent rhetoric” and questioning why such content is allowed on national television.

White House Response and Political Reaction

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the joke as “completely deranged,” arguing that it contributed to a broader pattern of rhetoric that could normalize violence.

“Who in their right mind says a wife would be glowing over the potential murder of her beloved husband?” she said, adding that such statements could help “legitimise violence.”

The backlash intensified after a shooting incident occurred two days later at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, prompting the evacuation of President Trump and the First Lady.

According to USA Today, video clips of Kimmel’s monologue resurfaced following the incident, fueling criticism from the White House. Trump later reiterated his stance on social media, calling the remarks a “despicable call to violence,” although there has been no evidence linking the joke to the attack.

Broader Debate on Free Speech

The controversy has reignited debate over free speech and the role of political satire in the United States.

Speech advocates defended Kimmel, warning against censorship. Joel Payne of MoveOn Civic Action stated that attempts to silence the comedian would undermine democratic principles and freedom of expression.

Similarly, Anna Gomez said political violence should not be used to justify limiting speech. “We cannot allow this tragedy to become a pretext for silencing speech, even speech we find objectionable,” she wrote on social media.

However, criticism also came from conservative groups. The National Religious Broadcasters filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission, arguing that such rhetoric contributes to a culture where violence becomes more conceivable.

Past Controversies

Jimmy Kimmel has frequently criticized Trump during his program and has previously faced backlash. In 2025, he was temporarily suspended after comments related to the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, drawing political scrutiny and regulatory attention.

Despite repeated criticism, Kimmel continues to host his show under a contract with ABC that runs through 2027.

The network has not issued an official response regarding the latest calls for Kimmel’s dismissal.

Read: Jimmy Kimmel to Return to Air After Controversial Suspension over Charlie Kirk Comments

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