Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Trumps demand ABC fire Kimmel after shooting joke

4/28/2026

22 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Melania Trump demanded ABC fire Jimmy Kimmel after his joke resurfaced post-shooting.
Jimmy Kimmel aired the joke Thursday, and it resurfaced after Saturday’s shooting.
President Donald Trump called the joke “despicable” on Truth Social and demanded Kimmel’s termination.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Kimmel’s remarks fuel a climate that can inspire violence and noted shooter Cole Tomas Allen is in custody awaiting a Monday court date.

History

Historical Context

After the September 11, 2001 attacks, Bill Maher’s on-air criticism led advertisers to withdraw, contributing to the cancellation of Politically Incorrect in 2002. Clear Channel’s post-9/11 memo flagged 162 songs as questionable, illustrating early media self-censorship. That pattern of political pressure reappears as President Donald Trump and press secretary Karoline Leavitt demand Jimmy Kimmel’s school-shooting joke be taken off the air.

1 of 2

Story summary

Melania Trump demanded ABC fire Jimmy Kimmel after his joke resurfaced post-shooting.
Jimmy Kimmel aired the joke Thursday, and it resurfaced after Saturday’s shooting.
President Donald Trump called the joke “despicable” on Truth Social and demanded Kimmel’s termination.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Kimmel’s remarks fuel a climate that can inspire violence and noted shooter Cole Tomas Allen is in custody awaiting a Monday court date.

1 / 2