Trump demands ABC fire 'unfunny' Kimmel over Melania joke as host laughs it off
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Thursday, April 30, renewed his attack on Jimmy Kimmel and urged his network to take action.
The latest outburst comes amid an escalating feud between the president and the comedian, triggered by a controversial on-air joke about Melania Trump that has drawn sharp reactions and reignited tensions.
Trump renews demand to remove Jimmy Kimmel
Trump’s criticism came in a strongly worded post on Truth Social, where he called on ABC to fire Kimmel.
“When is ABC Fake News Network firing seriously unfunny Jimmy Kimmel, who incompetently presides over one of the Lowest Rated shows on Television?” Trump wrote. “People are angry. It better be soon!!! President DJT”
The remark marked his most direct demand yet for the network to act against the late-night host.
This is not the first time that Trump has demanded Jimmy Kimmel's firing from ABC Network.
Jimmy Kimmel delivered a fake White House Correspondents Dinner speech, saying "Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow." pic.twitter.com/o4a59eYnZl
— Libby Emmons (@libbyemmons) April 26, 2026
He had previously addressed the sharp language used by Kimmel during the monologues of his late-night show, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'
Trump-Kimmel feud intensifies
The feud traces back to a recent monologue in which Kimmel made a joke about Melania Trump, saying she had “a glow like an expectant widow.”
The remark quickly sparked backlash, especially given the heightened political climate and recent security concerns surrounding Trump.
Melania publicly condemned the remark, calling it harmful, while Trump amplified the criticism and pushed for consequences.
Melania wrote on X: “People like Kimmel shouldn’t have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate. A coward, Kimmel hides behind ABC because he knows the network will keep running cover to protect him.”
Kimmel’s hateful and violent rhetoric is intended to divide our country. His monologue about my family isn’t comedy- his words are corrosive and deepens the political sickness within America.
— First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) April 27, 2026
People like Kimmel shouldn’t have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to…
Jimmy Kimmel, however, dismissed the outrage and insisted the comment was intended as satire. Instead of apologizing, Kimmel addressed the backlash on his show with sarcasm, turning the controversy into another punchline.
“The Trumps lately have seemed closer than ever, and I like to think I played a part in that,” he joked.
He added, “Considering the week I’ve had with the first couple, I’m just going to say that is a completely normal way to interact for two people who are very much in love.”
The comments signaled that Kimmel has no intention of backing down.
Jimmy Kimmel addresses calls for him to be fired by First Lady Melania and President Donald Trump, claims his “expectant widow joke” was about their age difference, not assassination.
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) April 28, 2026
Regardless of his intent, he was joking about the President dying and Melania being happy about… pic.twitter.com/2FQ0bOjwGN
Despite Trump’s public pressure, ABC appears to be standing firmly behind Kimmel.
According to a report by Page Six, the company has no plans to suspend or remove him from 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'
“They’re moving on,” the report said, adding that production continues as usual.
