First Lady Melania Trump has demanded action from ABC against late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, condemning his recent on-air remarks about her as “hateful and violent rhetoric” that fuels political division in the United States. The call comes just days after a shooting outside the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, an event the Trumps attended, though authorities have not confirmed a direct link between the incident and Kimmel’s comments.
The controversy erupted after Kimmel aired a parody of the correspondents’ dinner on his ABC show last Thursday, where he described Melania Trump as having “a glow like an expectant widow.” The joke, part of a broader monologue criticizing the Trump administration, drew immediate backlash from both the president and first lady.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Melania Trump wrote, “Kimmel’s hateful and violent rhetoric is intended to divide our country. His monologue about my family isn’t comedy—his words are corrosive and deepens the political sickness within America.” She added, “People like Kimmel shouldn’t have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate.”
The first lady accused Kimmel of hiding behind ABC’s protection, stating, “A coward, Kimmel hides behind ABC because he knows the network will retain running cover to protect him. Enough is enough. This proves time for ABC to take a stand.”
President Donald Trump echoed his wife’s sentiments in a post on Truth Social later that day, calling Kimmel’s remarks “really shocking” and a “call to violence.” He wrote, “Jimmy Kimmel should be immediately fired by Disney and ABC,” referring to the network’s parent company. Trump added that he appreciated the public outrage over the comments, which he described as “something far beyond the pale.”
The Trumps’ criticism of Kimmel is not recent. The late-night host has been a frequent target of the president’s ire, particularly for his sharp critiques of the administration. Last September, ABC briefly suspended Kimmel after Brendan Carr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission, threatened the network over jokes the comedian made about Trump. The incident sparked a broader debate about free speech and political pressure on media outlets.
This latest dispute highlights the increasingly contentious relationship between political figures and late-night comedy, where satire often blurs with personal attacks. The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, traditionally a lighthearted event, has develop into a flashpoint in recent years, with tensions spilling over into public confrontations like this one.
ABC has not yet responded to requests for comment on the Trumps’ demands. The network has previously defended Kimmel’s right to free expression, even amid controversy.
The shooting outside the correspondents’ dinner on Saturday remains under investigation. Authorities have charged a suspect in connection with the incident, though no motive has been publicly confirmed. The attack has reignited discussions about security at high-profile political events and the broader climate of polarization in the U.S.
Kimmel’s hateful and violent rhetoric is intended to divide our country. His monologue about my family isn’t comedy—his words are corrosive and deepens the political sickness within America. People like Kimmel shouldn’t have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate.
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) April 27, 2026
The Trumps’ call for Kimmel’s dismissal underscores the growing scrutiny of media figures whose commentary crosses into personal or inflammatory territory. As political divisions deepen, such conflicts are likely to become more frequent, raising questions about the boundaries of free speech and the responsibilities of major networks in an era of heightened polarization.
