WASHINGTON — Donald Trump said Monday that late-night host Jimmy Kimmel should be dismissed by ABC and its parent company Walt Disney, escalating criticism over remarks made during a recent broadcast.
The comments came after a parody segment aired ahead of the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, during which Kimmel made a remark about Melania Trump that drew backlash from both the president and the first lady.
The situation unfolded during a weekend marked by heightened tension. On Saturday, President Trump and the first lady were escorted away from the event venue at the Washington Hilton after a shooting occurred in the hotel lobby. Authorities identified the suspect as Cole Allen, who reportedly moved through a security checkpoint and opened fire on Secret Service personnel, injuring one agent before being apprehended.
Reaction From the White House
In statements issued Monday, both the president and the first lady condemned the late-night host’s remarks. The president described the joke as “far beyond the pale,” reiterating his call for immediate action by network leadership.
Melania Trump also addressed the issue publicly, describing the comments as “corrosive” and linking them to broader concerns about political discourse in the United States. In a post shared on X, she questioned how often network executives would “enable” such behavior and argued that content of this nature should not be broadcast into American homes.
She further stated that the remarks were “not comedy,” but instead contributed to division, adding that such rhetoric “deepens the political sickness within America.”
Broader Context
The president has previously criticized media organizations and urged action against programs he considers unfair or inappropriate. At the same time, media analysts and legal experts frequently point to First Amendment protections that allow broadcasters to air commentary and satire, including material that may be viewed as offensive.
As of Monday, neither ABC nor Disney had issued a public response to the criticism.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between political figures and media personalities, particularly in moments where entertainment, satire, and public sensitivity intersect.