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President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump on Monday sharply criticized ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel over remarks he made about the first lady days before a gunman opened fire outside the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, escalating tensions between the administration and the media.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump called Kimmel’s comments “really shocking” and urged the Disney-owned network to terminate the comedian, drawing a direct connection between the segment and the weekend violence.
“Jimmy Kimmel should be immediately fired by Disney and ABC,” Trump wrote, adding that the host’s remarks amounted to a “despicable call to violence.”
The criticism follows a parody segment on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” that aired Thursday, in which Kimmel joked that the first lady had “a glow like an expectant widow.” Two days later, a gunman opened fire outside the annual Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, prompting a security response that rushed Trump, the first lady and other officials from the event.
Authorities said the suspect later wrote in a note to family members that he believed it was his duty to target Trump administration officials. No direct link between the shooting and Kimmel’s remarks has been established by investigators.
Kimmel, a frequent critic and target of Trump, has long used his late-night platform to satirize political figures, including the president and his family. The latest controversy marks another flashpoint in the ongoing feud between Trump and media personalities.
The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, an annual gathering of journalists, government officials and celebrities, has historically been a venue for political humor, though tensions have risen in recent years amid heightened political polarization and security concerns.
Saturday’s shooting incident renewed those concerns, particularly given prior attempts on Trump’s life during the 2024 campaign, including incidents in Butler, Pennsylvania, and West Palm Beach, Florida.
While Trump characterized Kimmel’s remarks as inciting violence, legal experts generally note that the threshold for speech to be considered unlawful incitement under the First Amendment is high, requiring a direct call to imminent lawless action.
Kimmel’s comment, delivered in a comedic context, has not been formally reviewed in any legal proceeding, and authorities have not suggested it meets that standard.
Still, the president’s comments reflect a broader argument from some officials that media rhetoric can contribute to a climate of political hostility, even if it does not meet the legal definition of incitement.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed the president’s criticism during a Monday briefing, questioning the tone of the late-night segment.
“Who in their right minds says a wife would be glowing over the potential murder of her beloved husband?” Leavitt said.
In a separate post on X, the first lady described Kimmel’s comments as “hateful and violent rhetoric” that she said was intended to divide the country.
“People like Kimmel shouldn’t have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate,” she wrote, adding that ABC had enabled “atrocious behavior.”
ABC and its parent company, The Walt Disney Co., did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The latest dispute comes months after ABC briefly suspended “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following backlash over comments Kimmel made about the political motivations of a suspect accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah.
At the time, Kimmel suggested on air that political allies of the victim were attempting to shape the narrative before investigators had released details about a motive. He later returned to the show and said it was “never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.”
Kimmel signed a one-year extension with ABC in December to continue hosting the network’s flagship late-night program, according to a person familiar with the agreement.
The clash underscores ongoing tensions between political leaders and media figures, particularly in an era of heightened polarization and concerns about political violence.
Public officials from both parties have increasingly scrutinized rhetoric from media, social platforms and political opponents, often blaming inflammatory language for contributing to a volatile environment.
The first lady’s comments also highlight growing concerns about personal safety within the Trump family. According to a source close to her, she has become more focused on security in recent years, asking detailed questions about public appearances and potential risks.
In a documentary titled “Melania,” she is shown questioning the safety of public events, reflecting broader anxieties following repeated threats against her husband.
It remains unclear whether ABC will take any action in response to the criticism. The network has not indicated any disciplinary measures against Kimmel.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the weekend shooting, including reviewing the suspect’s writings and background.
Meanwhile, the incident is likely to intensify debate over the role of political commentary and satire in an increasingly tense national climate.
In an interview aired Sunday on CBS’ “60 Minutes,” Trump praised his wife’s response during the shooting, calling her “very strong” and saying she “knew what was happening.”
