Trump Calls for Jimmy Kimmel’s Firing Over “Expectant Widow” Joke

Jimmy Kimmel’s April 23, 2026 monologue described First Lady Melania Trump as having “the glow of an expectant widow.” Two days later an armed intruder breached the White House Correspondents’ Dinner security, injuring President Donald Trump. On May 1, 2026 Trump posted on Truth Social that ABC and Disney should fire Kimmel, calling the show “unfunny.” The same day the Federal Communications Commission ordered Disney’s ABC to reapply for spectrum licenses for its eight owned-and-operated stations, citing a review of Disney’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices. ABC previously canceled “Roseanne” in 2018 after Roseanne Barr’s controversial tweet, a precedent cited by critics.

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Trump’s Truth Social post demanded Kimmel’s immediate termination and called the program “unfunny.” Kelly called the request “very inappropriate” and warned that private-company firings over speech set a dangerous precedent. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the license review stems from a DEI investigation, not White House pressure. NAB chief Curtis LeGeyt described the FCC order “nearly unprecedented.” The National Religious Broadcasters filed a petition urging the FCC to act against Disney.

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Kelly, while acknowledging Kimmel’s joke was “out of line,” defended his free-speech right and argued the president should not pressure firms to fire employees. Streep praised Kimmel as a “knight Templar” and a defender of press freedom. Some observers link the timing to the WHCD shooting, raising incitement concerns.

Just Jared

Sources differ on whether Kimmel’s monologue called for violence; Kimmel says it was age-gap humor, critics cite its proximity to the WHCD shooting. The FCC says its review is unrelated to speech, yet the timing aligns with Trump’s demand, prompting speculation of political influence. ABC has not announced any termination.

Just Jared

• “When is ABC Fake News Network firing seriously unfunny Jimmy Kimmel, who incompetently presides over one of the Lowest Rated shows on Television?” — Donald J. Trump, Truth Social post

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• “It’s very inappropriate. The president of the United States should not be calling for any private company to fire any employee, especially over free speech.” — Megyn Kelly, The Megyn Kelly Show

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• “You’re carrying the banner of freedom of the press.” — Meryl Streep, Jimmy Kimmel Live!

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• “We have the National Religious Broadcasters that filed a petition with the FCC calling on the FCC to take action on Disney” — Brendan Carr, FCC Chairman

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The FCC’s accelerated review will decide whether ABC must modify its spectrum holdings, setting a precedent for future license actions. ABC has not announced any personnel move regarding Kimmel, leaving his employment status uncertain. The debate over the president’s use of social media to target private-company employees suggests further scrutiny of free-speech norms in entertainment.

Variety Magazine