U.S. President Donald Trump demanded the immediate termination of Jimmy Kimmel by ABC and its parent company Walt Disney. Trump, along with his wife Melania Trump, criticized the late-night talk show host for a monologue he delivered before a shooting incident near a gathering of journalists and politicians over the weekend.
During a segment last Thursday that parodied the upcoming White House correspondents’ dinner, Kimmel made a comment about Melania Trump having a glow like an expectant widow. Two days later, Trump and Melania were escorted out of the dinner following a shooting at the Washington Hilton, where the event was being held.
The suspect identified as Cole Allen charged through a checkpoint, fired at Secret Service agents, injuring one, before being apprehended. In response to the criticism from the Trumps, Kimmel defended his joke, stating it was a light roast about the couple’s age difference and not a call to violence.
Melania Trump condemned Kimmel’s remarks as corrosive and called on ABC to take action against his behavior, stating people like Kimmel shouldn’t spread hate in homes. Trump echoed the sentiment, insisting that Kimmel should be fired immediately.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ordered early reviews of Disney’s licenses, including eight ABC stations, ahead of schedule. The FCC cited an investigation that began last year into diversity practices potentially constituting discrimination. Disney responded, affirming its compliance with FCC rules and commitment to serving local communities with trusted news and programming.
Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz criticized the FCC’s actions on Disney, emphasizing that government should not censor speech. Disney’s CEO, Josh D’Amaro, faces pressure to address the calls for Kimmel’s termination amidst the escalating situation.
In a separate incident, Trump has previously urged broadcasters to remove programs critical of him, leading to disputes with media outlets. Kimmel faced backlash for his remarks about a shooting incident involving Charlie Kirk, resulting in some broadcasters ceasing to air his show.
Kimmel’s return episode following the controversy garnered significant viewership, breaking previous records. Despite the backlash, ABC and Kimmel reached a contract extension, extending his show through May 2027. Trump hinted at potential legal action against ABC over Kimmel’s reinstatement, recalling a previous settlement with the studio.