The ABC network is facing public criticism following remarks made by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel during a recent broadcast, as calls for action against the comedian have grown in the days since the comments aired, as reported [1] by The Gateway Pundit.
The controversy began on April 23, when Kimmel delivered a line about Melania Trump during a mock White House Correspondents’ Dinner segment on his late-night show. While performing the skit, Kimmel said, “Our first lady Melania is here… so beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.”
Jimmy Kimmel: “Our First Lady is here. Mrs. Trump… you have a glow like an expectant widow.” pic.twitter.com/LdloPzMyXr [2]
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) April 26, 2026 [3]
The comment drew renewed attention after a separate incident occurred two days later involving an attempted attack at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., which had been postponed. The timing of the two events led to additional scrutiny of the remarks and prompted calls for the network to respond.
On Monday, Melania Trump addressed the situation in a statement posted on X, urging ABC to take action.
“Kimmel’s hateful and violent rhetoric is intended to divide our country,” she wrote. “People like Kimmel shouldn’t have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate.” She added, “Enough is enough. It is time for ABC to take a stand.”
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.
People like Kimmel shouldn’t have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to…
— First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) April 27, 2026 [4]
President Donald Trump and others also called on the network to take action following the comments.
President Donald J. Trump Calls on Disney and ABC to Fire Jimmy Kimmel Following His Despicable Call to Violence. pic.twitter.com/W4oxxgBZxv [5]
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 27, 2026 [6]
As of Tuesday morning, ABC had not issued a public response regarding the situation or indicated whether any disciplinary measures would be taken.
The remarks and the network’s response have drawn attention to past incidents involving Kimmel’s commentary.
In September 2025, Kimmel was removed from the air following statements related to the killing of Charlie Kirk. In October 2023, he also referenced House Majority Leader Steve Scalise during a segment, making remarks tied to the 2017 shooting that targeted Republican lawmakers.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is an annual gathering that brings together journalists, political figures, and public officials in Washington, D.C. Security at the event is typically heightened due to the presence of national leaders and members of the administration.
The recent attempted attack at the event has prompted broader discussions about political rhetoric and public safety.
There’s no reason why the Trump admin cannot go after political extremists like Hasan Piker who tell his viewers to go commit political violence and murder right-wingers
Inciting violence is not free speech https://t.co/MNYYZ1bkAn [7]
— Kangmin Lee | 이강민 (@kangminlee) April 26, 2026 [8]
Officials have not released full details about the suspect involved in that incident, and the investigation remains ongoing.
ABC has not publicly addressed whether it plans to review Kimmel’s comments or respond to the concerns raised by the First Lady and others. The network also has not indicated whether it will make changes to its programming in response to the backlash.
The situation continues to develop as public attention remains focused on both the remarks and the network’s response.