Story perspectives

Trump Demands Kimmel Fired After Assassination Attempt Joke

4/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump demanded Jimmy Kimmel be fired after his joke resurfaced post-shooting.
A gunman tried to breach dinner on Saturday, was arrested and charged with attempted assassination of President Donald Trump.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called Kimmel’s remarks disgusting and said they foster a climate of violence.
Senator Cynthia Lummis backed the criticism, calling the comments disgusting behavior that legitimizes political violence.

History

Historical Context

The March 30 1981 shooting of President Ronald Reagan by John Hinckley Jr. injured the president and three aides, and Hinckley fired six bullets in 1.7 seconds, exposing gaps in Secret Service layers. The incident led to tighter presidential protection and a lasting view that incendiary rhetoric can spur violence, a lesson echoed today as Donald Trump joins critics of Jimmy Kimmel’s jokes.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump demanded Jimmy Kimmel be fired after his joke resurfaced post-shooting.
A gunman tried to breach dinner on Saturday, was arrested and charged with attempted assassination of President Donald Trump.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called Kimmel’s remarks disgusting and said they foster a climate of violence.
Senator Cynthia Lummis backed the criticism, calling the comments disgusting behavior that legitimizes political violence.

1 / 2