Donald Trump Renews Demands for ABC to Fire Jimmy Kimmel
Donald Trump’s persistent campaign to see Jimmy Kimmel removed from the airwaves continued this Thursday, as the former president issued yet another demand for ABC to oust the late-night host. In a post on Truth Social, Trump questioned, “When is ABC Fake News Network firing seriously unfunny Jimmy Kimmel?” He further criticized the host, claiming Kimmel “incompetently presides over one of the Lowest Rated shows on Television,” and warned, “People are angry. It better be soon!!!”
The latest escalation appears to be a reaction to Kimmel’s recent monologues, in which the host skewered both the former president and Melania Trump. Kimmel’s jokes centered on the couple’s public interactions, specifically referencing a video of them holding hands during an event with King Charles and Queen Camilla. “Considering the week I’ve had with the first couple, I’m just going to say that is a completely normal way to interact for two people who are very much in love,” Kimmel quipped. “Maybe that’s why his hands are all bruised, from Melania swatting them away.”
The feud between the two has been long-standing, but tensions flared anew following a joke Kimmel made during a fake White House Correspondents’ Dinner bit last week. While the joke was intended as a critique of the 79-year-old president’s age, the Trump camp characterized the commentary as violent and inflammatory, particularly in the wake of a security incident at the actual White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Despite the pressure, Kimmel has remained defiant, rebuffing the demands on his show and defending his material as lighthearted roasting. While ABC and its parent company, Disney, have previously faced political scrutiny, they have not indicated any plans to take disciplinary action against the host. Meanwhile, the Trump administration continues to exert pressure on the network, with the FCC recently ordering Disney’s eight company-owned ABC stations to refile for license renewals ahead of schedule. A Disney spokesperson stated the company intends to defend its record through appropriate legal channels.
