Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is drawing criticism from the Trump administration after comments made during an on-air “alternative” White House Correspondents’ Dinner roast.
Comments spark backlash
The controversy centers on a line about first lady Melania Trump, in which Kimmel said she had the “glow of an expectant widow.” The remarks aired during Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday, April 23.
First lady responds
Melania Trump condemned the comments in a post on social media Monday, calling Kimmel’s remarks “hateful and violent rhetoric.”
“His monologue about my family isn’t comedy — his words are corrosive and deepen the political sickness within America,” she wrote, also criticizing ABC for continuing to air his show.
She urged the network to take action, accusing it of “running cover” for the host.
Timing intensifies reaction
The backlash intensified after a shooting outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday, April 25, which officials said may have been an attempted attack on Donald Trump and members of his administration. This year’s dinner notably did not include a comedian host — a break from tradition, as the event typically features a comic roasting political figures.
Kimmel’s broader remarks
During his segment, Kimmel also criticized the president, calling him a “trembling drama queen” for skipping a comedian at the event. He went on to joke about Trump’s social media posts, polling and past controversies.
Previous controversy
This marks the second time in the past year that ABC has faced criticism from the Trump administration over Kimmel’s commentary. In September 2025, Kimmel drew backlash following remarks about the fatal shooting of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk and was briefly taken off the air.
How to watch the segment
The April 23 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! featuring the parody of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner is available on the show’s YouTube channel.
Contributing: USA Today Network
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Melania Trump slams Jimmy Kimmel over ‘expectant widow’ joke
Reporting by Alexandra Rivera, New York Connect Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
