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Apr 28, 2026

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Trump Calls for Jimmy Kimmel’s Firing After Controversial Joke About Melania

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel faces backlash from the Trumps over a joke amid heightened tensions after a White House shooting incident.

LAT Editorial Team

LAT Editorial Team

Politics
Trump Calls for Jimmy Kimmel’s Firing After Controversial Joke About Melania
Photo credits: Aljazeera

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A heated political and media clash has erupted between US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel following a controversial joke made by Kimmel about the First Lady.

The dispute has intensified in the wake of a recent shooting near the White House, with the Trumps condemning Kimmel’s remarks as hateful and calling for his immediate removal from ABC, highlighting ongoing tensions between the president and critical media figures.

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What Sparked the Controversy?

The controversy began when Jimmy Kimmel, during an alternative White House correspondents’ dinner on his show, joked that Melania Trump had “a glow like an expectant widow.” He also mocked her documentary, calling it the “world’s first motionless picture.” These remarks came shortly after a shooting incident near the White House where the Trumps and journalists were present.

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The Trumps’ Strong Reaction

Melania Trump publicly condemned Kimmel’s joke on social media, accusing him of spreading hate and demanding ABC take action against him. President Trump escalated the response by calling for Kimmel’s immediate firing, labeling the joke a “despicable call to violence.” The White House spokesperson questioned the sanity of such comments, emphasizing the insensitivity given the recent shooting.

“People like Kimmel shouldn’t have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate.”Melania Trump

“Jimmy Kimmel should be immediately fired.”Donald Trump

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Kimmel’s Response and Past Tensions

Kimmel defended his joke, saying it was a light roast and not a call for violence. This incident adds to a history of friction between Kimmel and the Trumps, with Kimmel frequently criticizing the president on his show. ABC briefly suspended Kimmel last year after FCC warnings but reinstated him following public backlash over free speech concerns.

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Broader Media Clashes Amid Political Turmoil

The dispute is part of a wider pattern of confrontations between Trump and the media. Recently, Trump lashed out during a CBS interview when a journalist read from the manifesto of the suspect in the White House shooting. CBS, owned by a Trump ally’s family, has faced lawsuits and political scrutiny, reflecting the complex media landscape surrounding the president.

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What Lies Ahead?

As tensions between the Trump administration and critical media figures continue, this latest controversy highlights the challenges of political satire in a highly polarized environment. The calls for Kimmel’s firing raise questions about media freedom and the boundaries of comedy amid national security concerns.

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