Melania Trump slams comedian Jimmy Kimmel for 'atrocious' joke
What's the story
Melania Trump, the First Lady of the United States, has slammed late-night host Jimmy Kimmel for a joke he made about her. The quip, which aired on Thursday as part of Kimmel's mock speech for the White House Correspondents's Dinner, was called "hateful and violent" by Trump. She took to X to say, "People like Kimmel shouldn't have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate."
Joke backlash
The 'widow' joke that got Kimmel in trouble
In his monologue, Kimmel had said, "Our First Lady, Melania, is here. Look at Melania, so beautiful. Mrs Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow." This joke resurfaced on social media after a shooting incident at the dinner event where the Trumps were present. The first Lady added, "His monologue about my family isn't comedy - his words are corrosive and deepens the political sickness within America." "How many times will ABC's leadership enable Kimmel's atrocious behavior?"
Twitter Post
See FLOTUS's post here
Kimmel’s hateful
— First Lady Melania Trumpand 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 enterour homes each evening to… (@FLOTUS) April 27, 2026
Presidential response
Trump, White House press secretary slam comedian
President Donald Trump also weighed in on the issue, calling Kimmel's remarks a "call to violence." He wrote on Truth Social, "[T]his is something far beyond the pale. Jimmy Kimmel should be immediately fired by Disney and ABC." White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also criticized Kimmel's comments at a news conference on Monday. Leavitt said, "This kind of rhetoric about the president, the first lady, and his supporters is completely deranged."
Defense
Kimmel defends his joke on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'
On Monday night, Kimmel defended his joke on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He said it was a "light roast" and not a call to assassination. He added that he's been vocal against gun violence for many years. This isn't the first time Kimmel has faced backlash over controversial comments; he was taken off the air in September last year after making remarks about conservative influencer Charlie Kirk's shooting.