On the evening of April 27, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump jointly issued a statement calling on ABC to fire Jimmy Kimmel, host of the late-night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” The move came in response to jokes Kimmel made on his show on the eve of the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner that were deemed offensive.

According to The New York Times, the Trumps accused Kimmel of making “hateful” remarks about the families of victims of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting. Melania said in her statement that Kimmel’s jokes were “deeply troubling” and called on ABC to “take a stand.” Trump later posted on social media that Kimmel’s comments were “completely unacceptable” and demanded the network fire him immediately.

The Guardian reported that Kimmel’s jokes aired shortly after the WHCA Dinner shooting incident. The event led to the dinner being interrupted, with Trump being rushed to safety by the Secret Service, and the gunman subsequently arrested and charged with attempted assassination of the president. Against this sensitive backdrop, Kimmel’s show content sparked widespread controversy.

CNN reported that the incident has put Disney CEO Bob Iger in the spotlight. ABC is a subsidiary of Disney, and Iger will face one of his most significant Trump-related tests since taking the helm. Analysts note that the Trump administration has previously pressured media organizations on multiple occasions, and this incident could further escalate tensions between the government and the press.

NPR reported that Melania specifically called on ABC to “take a stand” against Kimmel’s “hateful” joke, stating that it “not only disrespects the victims’ families but also undermines basic moral standards of society.”

ABC has not yet made an official response regarding whether it will fire Kimmel. According to CBS News, Kimmel is expected to issue a public statement on the matter. Media analysts suggest this incident reflects the increasingly strained relationship between American politics and entertainment media, as well as the rapid spread and amplification of public opinion in the social media age.

The WHCA Dinner shooting remains a major news focus in the United States. According to Fox News, the Department of Justice is building its case against gunman Cole Allen ahead of his arraignment. Against this backdrop, any remarks perceived as disrespectful to the victims or their families are likely to trigger strong public backlash.

Sources: The Guardian, The New York Times, CNN