First Lady Melania Trump’s sharp condemnation of ABC host Jimmy Kimmel has intensified following his recent parody of her family during the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. The remarks came amid heightened tensions after Kimmel described her as an “expectant widow” days before the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump at a Washington event.
Mark Beckman, Melania Trump’s senior adviser, declared Kimmel should be terminated and ABC must take decisive action: “Why would ABC stand behind that? That’s the question. Furthermore, not just for the ABC brand, but why do the advertisers for Kimmel’s show stick with him?” Beckman reiterated that Kimmel’s remarks constituted “hateful and violent rhetoric” designed to divide the nation.
The White House amplified the criticism when communications director Steven Cheung condemned Kimmel’s joke on X, using strong language to call it a “disgusting” act that warranted immediate consequences: “ABC needs to fire him immediately.” The president previously joined the backlash, demanding Kimmel’s removal after his comments drew scrutiny days before the White House shooting incident.
The attack unfolded two days after Kimmel’s monologue, when a gunman opened fire outside the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, targeting President Trump and others. Federal Communications Commission officials later announced a review of ABC’s parent company, Disney, following the event.