Jimmy Kimmel doubles down Trump call for firing
USA Today • • nation
Key Points:
- Jimmy Kimmel faced backlash after joking that Melania Trump looked like an "expectant widow," with criticism intensifying following a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner days later.
- Despite demands from the Trump administration for Kimmel's firing, ABC and Disney have stood by him, allowing "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" to continue airing without interruption.
- Kimmel defended his joke as a light roast about the age difference between President Trump and the first lady, denying any call for violence, and accused the president of hypocrisy for making a similar joke about himself.
- The FCC announced it is investigating Disney and its subsidiaries for possible violations of communications laws, signaling a potential conflict between the agency and Disney following the controversy.
- Melania Trump condemned Kimmel's remarks as "hateful and violent rhetoric," urging ABC to take action, while President Trump directly called for Kimmel's immediate firing.
