WASHINGTON, April 27, 2026 Trump calls for Jimmy Kimmel firing over Melania joke U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the firing of comedian and talk show host Jimmy Kimmel after Kimmel made a joke referring to First Lady Melania Trump as an "expectant widow."
Trump's Outrage Over Kimmel's Joke
President Trump escalated tensions with the entertainment industry by demanding that ABC, which airs "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," terminate the host's contract. The controversy stems from a segment during Kimmel's show on Thursday, where he quipped in German: *"Mrs. Trump, Sie strahlen wie eine werdende Witwe"* ("Mrs. Trump, you shine like an expectant widow").
The remark, delivered in a satirical tone, quickly drew backlash from the Trump administration. The First Lady herself condemned the joke, describing it as "corrosive" and accusing Kimmel of worsening the "sick political climate" in the U.S. The White House has not yet indicated whether it will take formal action beyond the president's public statements.
Reactions and Political Fallout
Melania Trump's sharp rebuke of Kimmel's joke underscores the ongoing friction between the Trump family and late-night comedy. The First Lady has rarely engaged publicly with critics, making her condemnation particularly notable. Her statement did not specify whether she or the administration would pursue further repercussions, but allies of the president have rallied behind the call for Kimmel's dismissal.