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Event / Entertainment
Jimmy Kimmel White House Controversy
Following a security incident at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington D.C. on April 26, 2026, controversy erupted over a joke Jimmy Kimmel had made on his show days earlier. The incident sparked calls from President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for ABC and Disney to fire Kimmel, while the network reportedly plans to support him.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 28 Apr, 05:06 UTC
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What happened
ABC and major TV station owners suspended Kimmel show in September over Charlie Kirk comments
In September, following the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Jimmy Kimmel made comments accusing Trump supporters of "doing everything they can to score political points" from Kirk's death. In response, ABC, Nexstar Media, and Sinclair announced they were suspending the show. After boycotts of the network over censorship concerns, ABC reversed course and the show returned to air.
Shooting occurs at White House Correspondents' Association dinner
A shooting occurred at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner held at the Washington Hilton on Saturday. An accused gunman named Cole Allen allegedly stormed into the venue with the intent to kill members of the Trump administration. The gunman rushed a Secret Service checkpoint during the event.
Jimmy Kimmel made joke about Melania Trump on his late-night show
On Thursday, April 23, Jimmy Kimmel performed a mock speech parodying the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on his show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" In the sketch, he made a joke about First Lady Melania Trump, saying "Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow." The sketch aired two days before the actual White House Correspondents' Association dinner event.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr denounces Jimmy Kimmel over Charlie Kirk comments
Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr denounced Jimmy Kimmel for comments the host made in September following the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Carr objected to Kimmel's characterization of Trump supporters.
Melania Trump calls for ABC to take action against Jimmy Kimmel
Melania Trump posted on social media calling on ABC to take action against Jimmy Kimmel. She characterized his jokes as "hateful and violent rhetoric" intended to divide the country, stating "Kimmel's monologue about my family isn't comedy- his words are corrosive and deepens the political sickness within America." She called for ABC leadership to take a stand against Kimmel's "atrocious behavior."
President Trump calls for Jimmy Kimmel to be fired
President Donald Trump posted on social media calling for Jimmy Kimmel to be immediately fired by Disney and ABC. Trump characterized Kimmel's comments as "despicable" and stated that Kimmel's behavior went "far beyond the pale," in response to the comedian's joke about the First Lady made before the White House Correspondents' Association dinner shooting.
Jimmy Kimmel repeats the Melania Trump joke on Monday show
On Monday, Jimmy Kimmel repeated the joke about Melania Trump on his show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" after the First Lady had called him out for the comment. He defended the joke by explaining it was intended to reference the age difference between Melania and Trump and the expression on her face when they are together.
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2 alternative perspectives
Kimmel Apologizes as Political Pressure Mounts Over Melania Trump Joke
Kimmel apologizes for Melania Trump joke as Trump family and commentators call for his removal.
Security breach forces cancellation of White House Correspondents' Dinner
Armed security breach forces cancellation of White House Correspondents' Dinner.
Armed Individual Opens Fire at White House Correspondents' Dinner
An armed individual opened fire at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, D.C.
FCC Chair Targets Disney Licenses Amid Kimmel Controversy
FCC Chair signals potential early Disney license review and diversity practice scrutiny amid Kimmel fallout.
White House demands ABC fire Jimmy Kimmel over joke
White House demands ABC fire Kimmel over Melania Trump joke at correspondents' dinner.
Shooting at White House Correspondents' Dinner Raises Security Questions
Shooting at White House Correspondents' dinner marks unprecedented security incident at high-profile Washington event.
Kirk Comments Trigger FCC Chair Criticism and Station Suspensions
FCC Chair Carr criticized Kimmel's Kirk remarks; broadcasters suspended the show in September.
Kimmel's Melania Joke Sparks Calls for Network Action
Jimmy Kimmel's Melania Trump joke sparked calls for firing and network action.