Full Breakdown
Disney CEO Faces Trump-Driven Demand to Fire Jimmy Kimmel
4/29/2026, 3:34:19 AM
Trump Calls for Kimmel’s Dismissal
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump publicly demanded that ABC’s late-night host Jimmy Kimmel be removed after his “glow like an expectant widow” joke about the First Lady. The demand came days after a gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 25, intensifying scrutiny of the monologue. Disney chair James Gorman told a conference in Oslo that new CEO Josh D’Amaro must “rise to the occasion” and decide the company’s response.
Background
Kimmel’s show was briefly suspended in September 2025 following a joke about the alleged assassin of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, after pressure from Nexstar Media Group, Sinclair Broadcast Group and a warning from FCC Chair Brendan Carr. The episode sparked shareholder scrutiny and a national debate over free-speech limits on broadcast comedy. The current controversy revives that tension, pitting the Trump administration’s calls for removal against Disney’s commitment to its talent.
Why It Matters
The dispute tests First-Amendment protections, Disney’s governance under a new CEO, and the risk of regulatory action against broadcast licenses. A decision could set a precedent for political pressure on network programming and influence future interactions between media companies and the White House.
Official Statements & Responses
James Gorman praised D’Amaro as world-class and expressed confidence he will do the right thing. Disney’s spokesperson declined comment. The White House urged Disney and ABC to fire Kimmel, with the president calling the monologue a despicable call to violence and the first lady describing the rhetoric as intended to divide the country. The FCC announced an early license review of eight Disney-owned ABC stations.
Criticism & Opposition
Jane Fonda’s Committee for the First Amendment declared, “In America, satire is not a crime.” MoveOn’s petition urges ABC to keep Kimmel on air. Media analysts Brian Stelter, Jordan Matthews, and J. Christopher Hamilton warned that firing Kimmel would undermine free-speech norms and appear weak.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Disney has not disclosed any internal decision, and the FCC review’s outcome remains pending. Sources differ on whether internal discussions have reached a conclusion.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Jimmy Kimmel should be immediately fired by Disney and ABC.” — Donald Trump, Truth Social
- “Kimmel’s hateful and violent rhetoric is intended to divide our country.” — Melania Trump, X
- “It’s a big First Amendment stress test,” — Brian Stelter, CNN correspondent
- “In America, satire is not a crime. The right to mock, to challenge, and yes, to offend those in power, is foundational to democracy,” — Jane Fonda’s Committee for the First Amendment
What’s Next
D’Amaro is expected to brief Disney’s board in the coming days. The FCC’s license review could affect station operations, while petitions and legal commentary continue to shape the public debate.
