Story perspectives

After Shooting, Trump Demands ABC Fire Kimmel Over Melania Joke

4/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Jimmy Kimmel’s “expectant widow” joke about First Lady Melania Trump resurfaced after a Correspondents’ Dinner shooting, prompting President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to demand ABC fire him.
ABC said on April 25, 2026 the show will resume taping.
Jimmy Kimmel replied on April 27, 2026 that his comment was a roast, not an assassination call.
George Clooney defended Jimmy Kimmel, saying jokes are jokes and condemning political violence.

History

Historical Context

Saturday Night Live launched on October 11 1975; Chevy Chase’s Gerald Ford impression during the 1976 campaign was cited as influencing the election. The show’s willingness to lampoon leaders set a precedent, and decades later its Donald Trump impersonations prompted the president to urge the FCC to intervene in 2019, illustrating ongoing tension between televised satire and political power.

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Story summary

Jimmy Kimmel’s “expectant widow” joke about First Lady Melania Trump resurfaced after a Correspondents’ Dinner shooting, prompting President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to demand ABC fire him.
ABC said on April 25, 2026 the show will resume taping.
Jimmy Kimmel replied on April 27, 2026 that his comment was a roast, not an assassination call.
George Clooney defended Jimmy Kimmel, saying jokes are jokes and condemning political violence.

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