Controversy is intensifying over broadcaster Jimmy Kimmel, who made a remark implying that Melania Trump, wife of U.S. President Donald Trump, seemed to be "on the verge of becoming a widow." Both President Trump and the First Lady, as well as the White House, have issued consecutive criticisms and called on the broadcaster for a strong response.

According to footage from ABC's talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," Kimmel, during a parody segment of the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner on April 23, mentioned First Lady Melania Trump, saying, "Our First Lady is here. She is very beautiful." He then added, "Mrs. Trump gives off the vibe that she is about to become a widow."

Melania: "It's time to stop the violent remarks"
Trump: "Not funny at all… Should be fired immediately"

Trump couple and White House face repeated criticism
Urge strong response from broadcasters

ABC talk show host Jimmy Kimmel
Has publicly criticized Trump

Under pressure from conservatives and Trump administration,
Removed from program schedule,
But resumed after a week amid viewer and broadcasting industry protests

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

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

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

She continued, "It's time for this to stop," and added, "It's time for ABC to clarify its position. How much longer will you abet Kimmel's appalling behavior at the expense of our community?" urging the broadcaster to make a public statement.

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

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President Trump also spoke out on social media the same day, stating, "Kimmel is not funny at all and made a shocking remark," adding, "Many people are outraged by his dangerous comments." He went on to demand, "Jimmy Kimmel should be fired immediately by ABC and Disney."

The White House 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," and emphasized, "Such behavior must stop."

Kimmel, the host of ABC's late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," has been an outspoken critic of President Trump. Previously, after making remarks related to the 2025 killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Kimmel faced pressure from conservatives and the Trump administration, leading to the program being indefinitely removed from the schedule. However, following backlash from viewers and the broadcasting industry, the show resumed after one week.

Meanwhile, President Trump has faced another threat to his safety, following the shooting incident at a campaign event in Pennsylvania in July 2024 and the assassination attempt at a Florida golf course in September of the same year.