Trump Demands ABC Fire Jimmy Kimmel Over Melania Joke; FCC Orders Early Review of ABC Licenses
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President Trump calls for ABC to dismiss Jimmy Kimmel following a joke about First Lady Melania Trump, while the FCC initiates an early review of ABC's broadcast licenses.
President Donald Trump has urged ABC to terminate late-night host Jimmy Kimmel after Kimmel joked that First Lady Melania Trump had "the glow of an expectant widow" during a mock White House Correspondents' Dinner segment.
In a Truth Social post, Trump questioned when ABC would fire Kimmel, describing him as "seriously unfunny" and presiding over "one of the Lowest Rated shows on Television."
First Lady Melania Trump also criticized Kimmel's remarks, calling them "hateful and violent rhetoric" and urging ABC to "take a stand."
In a related development, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ordered an early review of ABC's broadcast licenses. The FCC stated that this action is part of an ongoing investigation into potential violations of the Communications Act of 1934 and the agency's rules, including prohibitions on unlawful discrimination.
Disney, ABC's parent company, has not publicly commented on the calls to fire Kimmel but has maintained its support for the host, who is under contract through next year.
Kimmel has not directly addressed the FCC's actions but has continued his commentary on the Trump administration. On a recent episode, he quipped that "Donald and Melania lately have seemed closer than ever, and I like to think I played a part in that."
Legal experts suggest that Disney is likely to prevail in any legal battle over its station licenses.
The FCC's order has been met with criticism from free expression groups and First Amendment advocates, who view it as a form of government retaliation against ABC for not dismissing Kimmel.