The Federal Communications Commission has directed Disney's ABC to file early broadcast license renewals for its eight TV stations, following backlash over a joke by Jimmy Kimmel about first lady Melania Trump. The order comes amid criticism from President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, who linked the comedian's remark to a recent assassination attempt on the president. ABC maintains full compliance with regulations.
Jimmy Kimmel aired a sketch on his late-night show featuring a mock White House Correspondents' Dinner speech, where he quipped about Melania Trump: 'Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.' The segment aired three days before the actual dinner on April 25, 2026, when suspect Cole Allen allegedly tried to enter the event armed and was later charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump, as first reported by NPR and The Daily Wire sources citing officials. Melania Trump responded on X, calling the joke 'hateful and violent' and urging ABC to act. President Trump echoed calls for Kimmel's firing, stating he 'should be immediately fired by Disney and ABC.' Kimmel defended the remark on his April 28 show as a 'light roast' about the Trumps' age difference, denying any assassination reference and noting his opposition to gun violence. He added that Melania should discuss rhetoric with her husband. FCC Chair Brendan Carr, speaking on a podcast, criticized Disney's operations and diversity policies, justifying early review under the public interest standard. An FCC order dated April 28, signed by video division chief David J. Brown, requires renewals for the stations—due no earlier than 2028—by May 28, amid probes into alleged Communications Act violations including discrimination. Disney stated it complies with FCC rules and will defend its qualifications via legal channels. Democrats condemned the move. Sen. Elizabeth Warren told NPR it threatens news organizations, while FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez called it an 'egregious' First Amendment violation. Media lawyer Andrew J. Schwartzman described it as broadcaster intimidation.
