Story perspectives

Kimmel Defies Trump’s Fire Demand Amid Assassination Attempt

4/28/2026

Summary

Kimmel Defies Trump Demand

Kimmel rejected President Donald Trump’s and Melania Trump’s demand to fire him on April 27, saying his joke was not a call for violence.
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that Disney and ABC should fire Kimmel.
Gunman Cole Allen entered the Hilton during the April 25 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, injured a Secret Service agent, was charged with attempting assassination of the President, and has not entered a plea.

Summary

Josh D’Amaro Pressured

Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro faces White House pressure after President Donald Trump demanded Jimmy Kimmel’s dismissal, with Disney remaining silent as of April 27, 2026.
Jimmy Kimmel secured a one-year extension in December 2025, keeping his show on ABC through May 2027 after a brief suspension over Charlie Kirk remarks.
Several Democratic and Republican lawmakers accused FCC Chair Brendan Carr of pressuring ABC affiliates to limit Kimmel’s broadcast amid the controversy.

History

Historical Context

After the FCC formally repealed the Fairness Doctrine in 1987, broadcasters gained broad discretion over controversial content. President Trump revived executive pressure on media by signing Executive Order 14290 on May 1 2025, ending federal funding for NPR and PBS, and by urging Disney/ABC to dismiss Jimmy Kimmel, a move echoed by FCC Chair Brendan Carr. The pattern reflects ongoing attempts to reshape U.S. broadcast regulation.

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Kimmel Defies Trump Demand

Kimmel rejected President Donald Trump’s and Melania Trump’s demand to fire him on April 27, saying his joke was not a call for violence.
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that Disney and ABC should fire Kimmel.
Gunman Cole Allen entered the Hilton during the April 25 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, injured a Secret Service agent, was charged with attempting assassination of the President, and has not entered a plea.

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