U.S. President Donald Trump demanded the immediate termination of ABC’s late-night host Jimmy Kimmel by both ABC and its parent company, Walt Disney. This call came after Kimmel’s monologue that preceded a shooting incident near a gathering of journalists and politicians.
During the segment last Thursday, Kimmel made a parody related to the upcoming White House correspondents’ dinner, commenting that Melania Trump “had a glow like an expectant widow.” Trump and Melania were later rushed out of the dinner following a shooting incident in the lobby of the Washington Hilton where the event was being held.
The suspect, identified as Cole Allen, breached a checkpoint and fired at Secret Service agents, injuring one before being subdued and arrested. Following the Trumps’ criticism, Kimmel defended the joke during his Monday night monologue, emphasizing it was a light-hearted jest about the couple’s age difference and not an incitement to violence.
Melania Trump condemned Kimmel’s remarks as “corrosive” and urged ABC to take action. President Trump labeled the joke as “beyond the pale” and called for Kimmel’s immediate dismissal by Disney and ABC. Kimmel expressed skepticism that his joke had any influence on the subsequent events.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ordered early reviews of Disney’s licenses, including eight ABC-owned stations, which were not due for renewal until October 2028. The FCC initiated these reviews based on an investigation started the previous year concerning diversity practices that could be perceived as discriminatory.
President Trump has frequently urged the removal of programs critical of him and has pressured regulators to take action against broadcasters he deems unfair. While broadcasters have First Amendment rights to make jokes, recent actions against Kimmel’s show following his remarks about a conservative activist demonstrate a heightened scrutiny of media outlets by the current administration.
Kimmel’s return episode after the suspension garnered significant viewership, with his opening monologue setting a record on YouTube. Prior to the episode airing, Trump hinted at potential legal action against ABC over Kimmel’s reinstatement, citing a previous settlement with the studio. Subsequently, ABC and Kimmel reached a one-year contract extension running through May 2027.