Donald Trump recently made a joke similar to one by Jimmy Kimmel, which led to the President demanding Kimmel’s firing. In a speech welcoming King Charles to the US, Trump mentioned his parents’ 63-year marriage and humorously remarked to Melania about not being able to match that record. Melania did not visibly react to the joke. This incident echoed a joke made by Jimmy Kimmel on his show, which caused uproar among the First Lady and Trump administration members, who called for Kimmel’s dismissal.
During an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the host quipped about Melania’s appearance, referring to her as having a glow akin to an expectant widow. Kimmel later clarified that the joke was light-hearted, highlighting the age difference between Trump and Melania.
Following the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and a subsequent security threat, Melania and Trump’s allies mischaracterized Kimmel’s joke as an incitement to violence. Melania criticized the joke as divisive, while Trump took to social media to denounce it as a call for violence and demand Kimmel’s immediate termination from Disney and ABC.
In response to the controversy, the Federal Communications Commission announced an early review of ABC’s broadcasting licenses as a form of retaliation. Despite Trump’s calls for Kimmel’s firing, Disney and ABC have not indicated compliance. Kimmel had faced suspension previously for upsetting MAGA supporters with comments about Charlie Kirk but was reinstated after a brief hiatus.
