Trump Calls for Jimmy Kimmel's Firing, FCC Reviews ABC's Licenses Amid Controversy
In a major escalation of tensions between the Trump administration and ABC, U.S. President Donald Trump called for the dismissal of late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel, following a controversial joke made about First Lady Melania Trump. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also announced an early review of ABC's broadcasting licenses, marking a significant development in the controversy.
Background and Context
The feud was sparked by a monologue delivered by Kimmel on his show last week, ahead of the White House Correspondents Dinner. In a parody of the event, Kimmel joked, Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.
His comment came just days before a shooting near a gathering of journalists and politicians that the president and first lady were attending.
The Fallout
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump both took to social media to express their disapproval of Kimmel's remarks. In his statement, President Trump demanded that Kimmel be 'immediately fired' by Disney and ABC. Melania Trump echoed her husband's sentiments, calling for ABC to take a stand
against what she termed as Kimmel's hateful and violent rhetoric
.
In his defense, Kimmel insisted that his joke was about the age difference between the Trumps and was not a call to assassination. However, his explanation was met with skepticism, with critics arguing that the joke was in poor taste, given its timing just before the shooting incident.
FCC's Intervention
Following the controversy, the FCC ordered a review of the licenses of eight ABC local broadcasting stations. The FCC's announcement marks a significant escalation in the feud, with critics viewing it as an example of political and regulatory retribution against a broadcaster. The licenses are not due for renewal for several years, but the FCC's decision to accelerate the review process indicates the severity of the situation.
Widespread Reactions
The controversy and its fallout have drawn reactions from various quarters. Former ESPN host Sage Steele expressed doubt over whether Disney would discipline Kimmel. On the other hand, ex-Obama aide, David Axelrod, called on Kimmel to apologize for his tasteless joke
. The controversy has also led mentalist Oz Pearlman to pull out of a scheduled appearance on Kimmel's show.
Current Status
The situation remains tense, with ABC yet to respond to calls for Kimmel's dismissal. Meanwhile, Kimmel has remained defiant, insisting that his joke was a light-hearted jibe at the Trumps' age difference. As the controversy unfolds, all eyes are on ABC and Disney, awaiting their response to the president's demand and the FCC's unprecedented early license review.