Jimmy Kimmel Criticizes Trump Amid FCC Investigation
Jimmy Kimmel has continued his critique of President Trump following the president’s call for Kimmel’s dismissal and the initiation of a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) investigation into ABC’s broadcast license.
During a recent segment of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” Kimmel showcased footage of Trump apologizing to First Lady Melania Trump, possibly in reference to not living up to his parents’ lengthy marriage. Kimmel quipped, “Wait a minute, was he just joking about his own death? Only Donald Trump would demand I be fired for joking about his retirement, then go out the next day and make a joke about it himself.”
This joke coincided with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s announcement of the investigation into ABC, an extension of a probe into Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that began last March.
A source indicated that the timing of this review is merely coincidental, despite Kimmel’s recent back-and-forth with Trump. On Monday, Trump stated that a TV host who made remarks just prior to the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner should lose his job.
Kimmel had made a satirical speech during the event in question, joking, “Our first lady, Melania, is here. Look, Melania, you’re so beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have the glow of a pregnant widow.”
Following that dinner, Melania Trump criticized Kimmel, labeling him a “coward.” She remarked, “Kimmel’s hateful and violent rhetoric aims at dividing our country. His monologue about my family isn’t comedy; his words are corrosive and exacerbate the political problems in America.”
The shooter, identified as Cole Allen, faces charges related to an assassination attempt against President Trump. In response to the ensuing criticism, Kimmel asserted, “By definition, it wasn’t an assassination call, and they know it. I’ve long been vocal against gun violence.”
The FCC’s Office of Media stated it is examining ABC for potential violations of the Communications Act of 1934 and its own rules, particularly concerning discrimination issues linked to DEI efforts. ABC has until May 28 to submit an early renewal application for its license.
A Disney spokesperson expressed confidence in their standing as a licensee under the Communications Act and the First Amendment, stating, “We are focused on serving our local audiences.”
Launching an early review of a broadcast license is relatively rare for the FCC. The last instance, according to reports, occurred in 1969 when a station in Jackson, Mississippi, lost its license due to advocating racial discrimination on-air.
Disney operates eight ABC television stations in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, with renewals scheduled between 2028 and 2031.
Kimmel has faced scrutiny before for his monologues. Last September, he was temporarily removed from the air after backlash over remarks made following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
When Kimmel returned to the air after the hiatus, he refused to apologize, stating, “I never meant to make light of the murder of a young man. I don’t think there’s anything strange about it.”
