Jimmy Kimmel Learns His Fate After Being Kicked Off Air
Jimmy Kimmel Learns His Fate After Being Kicked Off Air
Washington D.C. — Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel addressed criticism from President Donald Trump regarding a joke about First Lady Melania Trump made during a parody segment on his show. The comment referenced her as having “a glow like an expectant widow.”
Kimmel described the remark as a light roast about the age difference between the president and first lady. He stated it was not a call to assassination and emphasized that the joke focused on their ages and the appearance of joy in their relationship. Kimmel said Trump and his team understood the intent.
First Lady Melania Trump called the joke “hateful and violent” in a post on X. She urged ABC, the network airing Kimmel’s show, to take action, describing Kimmel as a “coward” who hides behind the network.
The Federal Communications Commission ordered Disney’s ABC to seek early broadcast license renewals for its eight owned TV stations. FCC Chair Brendan Carr criticized the network and outlined possible approaches, including reviewing whether operations serve the public interest.
Kimmel responded during his Tuesday show without directly addressing the FCC actions. He used a satirical monologue about King Charles and Queen Camilla’s visit to the White House to highlight what he described as hypocrisy in a joke Trump made about his marriage to Melania Trump.
During an arrival ceremony for the royals, Trump referenced his parents’ 63-year marriage and joked with the first lady, “That’s a record we won’t be able to match, darling, I’m sorry.”
Kimmel asked his audience whether Trump had just made a joke about his own death. He said only Trump would demand his firing for a joke about age and then make a similar joke himself.
Democrats on Capitol Hill and others criticized the FCC’s order. Sen. Elizabeth Warren stated it hangs a sword over news organizations, suggesting stations could disappear for reporting things Trump dislikes.
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The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the administration and segments of the media over political humor and broadcast regulation. No formal license revocation proceedings have been announced at this time.
The incident occurred in the context of broader discussions about political rhetoric following the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Federal agencies continue to investigate that event separately.
