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President Donald Trump on Monday urged ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, saying the comedian’s comments contributed to rhetoric that could encourage violence against political figures.
The criticism comes days after a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, where President Trump, first lady Melania Trump and other officials were present. An armed suspect opened fire near a security checkpoint, wounding a Secret Service agent before being subdued.
The president’s comments focused on a segment from “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” that aired before the incident. During the show, Kimmel referred to the first lady as an “expectant widow” while discussing allegations involving disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
President Trump said Kimmel should be “fired immediately,” framing the issue as part of broader concerns about political rhetoric following the shooting.
The first lady also criticized the remarks, calling for Kimmel’s removal.
“Kimmel’s hateful and violent rhetoric is intended to divide our country. His monologue about my family isn’t comedy- his words are corrosive and deepens the political sickness within America. People like Kimmel shouldn’t have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate,” she wrote on X.
“A coward, Kimmel hides behind ABC because he knows the network will keep running cover to protect him. Enough is enough. It is time for ABC to take a stand. How many times will ABC’s leadership enable Kimmel’s atrocious behavior at the expense of our community,” the first lady added.
The dispute adds to a long-running feud between Trump and Kimmel. The host has frequently mocked the president on his program, while Trump has repeatedly criticized Kimmel in public statements and on social media.
The shooting at the Washington Hilton prompted security officials to evacuate attendees and cut the event short. In the aftermath, Trump and allies have pointed to the incident as evidence of rising tensions in political discourse.
ABC has not announced any disciplinary action related to Kimmel’s comments.