Melania Trump Calls for Jimmy Kimmel Firing

April 29, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

Melania Trump and President Trump called for Jimmy Kimmel's firing after an old joke resurfaced following a security incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Host Johnny Mac covers this alongside reactions from late-night hosts, comedian injuries, business deals, and upcoming specials in a typical roundup of comedy industry news.

Kimmel Joke Sparks Backlash After Dinner Incident

Jimmy Kimmel's joke from a fake White House Correspondents' Dinner routine last week resurfaced online after the real dinner's Saturday night incident, which involved reported security lapses and a potential shooting. In the bit, Kimmel said Melania Trump had "the glow of an expectant widow," which Mac interprets as commentary on President Trump's age and health, not a call to violence. Melania posted on social media condemning it as "hateful and violent rhetoric" meant to divide the country, calling Kimmel a "coward" protected by ABC and demanding his firing to stop him from "spread[ing] hate" into homes. President Trump echoed this, calling the joke a "despicable call to violence" beyond the pale and urging Disney and ABC to fire Kimmel immediately.

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What you'll learn

1 (01:37) **Melania Trump Demands Jimmy Kimmel Firing** - Calls his joke "hateful and violent rhetoric" after it resurfaces post-White House Correspondents' Dinner incident
2 (03:49) **Host's Audio Edit Mishap** - Recounts failed attempt to remove Kimmel clip from Sunday show
3 (04:40) **President Trump Echoes Call to Fire Kimmel** - Labels joke "despicable call to violence," demands immediate firing by ABC/Disney
4 (05:12) **Kimmel Responds on Monday Show** - Jokes about waking to Melania's firing demand, clarifies intent against gun violence
5 (05:42) **Late Night Hosts React to Incident** - Fallon mocks Trump security, Gutfeld jabs Pelosi/Biden
6 (06:36) **George Clooney Defends Kimmel** - Calls it comedy, notes Carolyn Levitt's "shots will be fired" promo as similar joke
7 (07:32) **FCC Eyes ABC Broadcast License Review** - Possible link to Kimmel joke, per CNN's Brian Stelter

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Show Notes

Johnny Mac covers backlash to Jimmy Kimmel after a resurfaced joke about Melania Trump was recontextualized following an incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, prompting statements from Melania’s account and the President demanding ABC/Disney fire Kimmel; Mac explains he tried to remove the clip from his show but it accidentally remained. Kimmel responds on-air, and other comics (including Jimmy Fallon, Greg Gutfeld, and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog) add jokes; George Clooney comments on dangerous rhetoric, and reports mention the FCC may launch an early review of ABC’s broadcast licenses. Other news: King Charles reacts to Matt Friend’s impression; Stavros Halkias breaks his arm and postpones his Baltimore special taping; Tom Segura nearly booked Garth Brooks amid the “where are the bodies” meme; Fox’s Red Seat Ventures partners with Kill Tony; Laugh Factory launches comedian trading cards; Trevor Noah captains a South African comedy team for a September festival; Seth Meyers and John Oliver extend Beacon Theater dates; and Anjelah Johnson’s “Ugly Baby” special hits YouTube May 10.

00:00 Kimmel Controversy Begins
03:29 Kimmel Responds On Air
04:15 Other Comics Weigh In
06:05 FCC Review Rumblings
06:24 King Charles Roasts Matt Friend
07:16 Stavros Halkias Injury Update
08:15 Segura And Garth Brooks
09:25 Kill Tony Goes Corporate
10:39 Laugh Factory Trading Cards
11:46 Trevor Noah Comedy Festival
12:36 Jon Oliver Seth Meyers Beacon Theater Residency
12:56 Angela Johnson New Special

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