Jimmy Kimmel now faces the ire of First Lady Melania Trump after a controversial monologue that included a joke referring to her as an 'expectant widow.' The remark, made on his show 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' just days before a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, has drawn sharp criticism from the First Lady.
Melania Trump's Response
In a post on her X account, Melania Trump condemned Kimmel's remarks as 'hateful and violent rhetoric' that deepens political divisions. She called on ABC to take a stand against his 'atrocious behavior.' The post read in part: '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.'
The Controversial Joke
During the April 24 episode, Kimmel performed a parody of the White House Correspondents' Dinner, delivering a monologue as if he were the emcee. Referring to Melania Trump, he said, 'Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.' Two days later, a gunman stormed the actual dinner, targeting Trump administration officials. The suspect, Cole Allen, 31, was subdued by Secret Service agents.
President Trump's Reaction
President Donald Trump described the incident as 'a rather traumatic experience' for Melania during a press conference after the evacuation. He also expressed outrage over Kimmel's return to air after a previous suspension, claiming ABC had told the White House the show was canceled.
Background: Kimmel's Previous Suspension
Kimmel's show was taken off the air in September 2025 after comments about the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Kimmel said some Trump supporters were trying to 'score political points' from the murder. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatened action against ABC, leading to a brief suspension. Kimmel returned less than a week later, acknowledging that his remarks may have been 'ill-timed or unclear.'
Ongoing Feud
The tension between Kimmel and the Trump family continues. President Trump has previously blasted Kimmel, calling him a 'bum' and criticizing his lack of talent. Despite this, Kimmel and ABC recently extended his contract through May 2027, further fueling the controversy.
Melania Trump's call for ABC to take action adds a new chapter to this ongoing feud, highlighting the intersection of comedy, politics, and public safety in the wake of a violent attack.
