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President Donald Trump escalated his public campaign against late-night host Jimmy Kimmel on April 30, urging network executives at ABC and parent company Disney to take swift action following a disputed on-air joke about first lady Melania Trump.
In a post shared to Truth Social, Trump questioned how long the broadcaster would continue airing what he described as an "unfunny" program, adding that public anger was growing and warning that consequences should come soon.
The remarks came days after Kimmel referenced Melania Trump during a comedic monologue that aired ahead of the White House Correspondents Dinner. The comedian joked about the couple's dynamic and made a line implying she appeared like an "expectant widow," a comment that resurfaced after a security scare at the event involving an armed suspect.
Melania Trump responded forcefully online, accusing Kimmel of promoting harmful rhetoric and calling on ABC to reconsider giving him a platform. She argued that such humor deepens divisions and should not be normalized on national television.
Kimmel, however, defended the segment during subsequent broadcasts, stating the joke was a light jab at age differences and not an endorsement of violence. He added that his long-standing criticism of political extremism includes opposition to threats of harm.
The controversy has unfolded alongside broader tensions between Trump and major media figures, with the president frequently targeting late-night hosts who criticize him. Previous disputes have even led to temporary disruptions involving Kimmel's show, though it quickly returned to air.
Despite the renewed pressure, there has been no official indication from Disney or ABC that any disciplinary action is imminent. Kimmel has continued addressing the situation with humor, occasionally turning Trump's criticisms into material for his audience.
