Lara Trump called for Jimmy Kimmel to leave ABC on Monday, asserting that the entertainment industry has lost its sense of humor. Speaking about Kimmel's recent joke that sparked renewed demands for his dismissal, President Donald Trump's daughter-in-law criticized the late-night host.
Lara Trump's Statement
“I just think that Jimmy Kimmel has really fallen off the deep end. None of this is funny. Comedy isn't funny anymore. Shows aren't entertaining, movies aren't entertaining anymore,” Lara Trump said. “Whenever you have to say things like that to engage your audience, you basically might as well exit stage left. I don't think that the American people want to see this sort of thing. Even the ones who didn't vote for Donald Trump. So I agree with Melania — Melania and the president — I think Jimmy Kimmel needs to leave ABC.”
The Controversial Joke
Kimmel made a joke about first lady Melania Trump being an “expectant widow” during a mock White House Correspondents' Dinner segment. This came just days before a gunman allegedly attempted to assassinate Trump at the actual event. The suspect dashed through a hotel security checkpoint and shot a Secret Service agent in his protective vest before being apprehended. Trump, several cabinet members, and other dignitaries were inside the ballroom and were evacuated by security.
White House Response
Melania Trump called on ABC to prevent Kimmel from spreading his “hate,” and her husband supported her, stating that Kimmel should be “immediately fired.” In response, Kimmel defiantly explained on Monday that his mild joke was about the president's age, not violence, and that the White House and its residents were aware of that.
