Jimmy Kimmel Responds to Trump's Call for His Dismissal Over Melania Joke

Late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel has addressed calls from President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for his dismissal after a joke he made about the First Lady. During a segment on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" last Thursday, Kimmel quipped that Melania Trump had "the glow of an expectant widow," referencing the age difference between the First Lady and the President.

In response, Melania Trump criticized Kimmel's remark, stating, "People like Kimmel shouldn't have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate." President Trump echoed her sentiments, describing the joke as "despicable" and calling for Kimmel's immediate firing.

Kimmel defended his joke during his Monday night monologue, clarifying that it was a "very light roast joke about the fact that he's almost 80 and she's younger than I am." He emphasized that it was not "a call to assassination" and expressed his longstanding opposition to gun violence.

The controversy arises in the wake of a security incident at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, where a man armed with weapons attempted to enter the event attended by the Trumps and other political figures.

This incident is part of a series of tensions between Kimmel and the Trump family. Previously, Kimmel faced criticism and a temporary suspension after comments made following the death of conservative figure Charlie Kirk.

ABC has not issued a statement regarding the current controversy.