"Vibe of Soon Becoming a Widow?" Trump Couple Outraged by Kimmel's Remark, Urge Stern Action

Controversy is growing around broadcaster Jimmy Kimmel, who recently made remarks regarding Melania Trump, the wife of U.S. President Donald Trump, implying she "seems like someone who will soon become a widow." Both President Trump and the White House have responded with strong criticism, urging the broadcaster to take firm action.

Jimmy Kimmel is speaking on stage at the 98th Academy Awards held in Hollywood, Los Angeles, USA, on March 15 (local time). Photo by Reuters and Yonhap News Agency

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According to footage from ABC's talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," Kimmel, while parodying the White House Correspondents' Dinner on April 23, referred to Mrs. Melania Trump by saying, "Our First Lady is here. She is very beautiful." He then added, "The First Lady is giving off the vibe of someone who will soon become a widow."

While the comment was initially received as political satire during the broadcast, it drew renewed attention after an actual shooting incident occurred two days later. On April 25 (local time), a shooting took place at the security screening area outside the Hilton Hotel in Washington, DC, where a dinner event was being held. President Trump, the First Lady, and other key attendees were urgently evacuated.

As the threat of gun violence coincided with Kimmel's remarks, the controversy intensified. On April 27, Melania Trump criticized Kimmel via her social media, stating, "Kimmel's hateful and violent comments are intended to divide our country," and, "His monologue about my family is not comedy."

She further remarked, "It is time to stop," and called on ABC to clarify its stance, saying, "How much longer will ABC enable Kimmel's appalling behavior at the expense of our community?"

U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are taking a commemorative photo at the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on the 27th (local time). Photo by AP News

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President Trump also took to social media the same day, stating, "Kimmel is not funny at all and made shocking remarks," and added, "Many people are outraged by his dangerous comments." He further asserted, "Jimmy Kimmel should be immediately fired by ABC and Disney."

The White House also joined in the criticism. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said at a briefing, "Distortion and slander directed at the president and his family can incite violence," adding, "Such behavior must stop."

Kimmel is the host of ABC's late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and has been a public critic of President Trump. Previously, after making remarks related to the 2025 killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, he faced pressure from conservatives and the Trump administration, leading to his show being temporarily suspended from the schedule. However, it resumed a week later amid backlash from viewers and the broadcasting industry.

Meanwhile, President Trump has faced repeated threats, including the shooting at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in July 2024, and an attempted assassination at a Florida golf course in September of the same year.

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