Late night host Jimmy Kimmel turned his attention back to Donald Trump after the president’s remarks during his White House meeting with King Charles III attracted widespread media attention.
During the formal reception welcoming King Charles III. and Queen Camilla, Trump reflected on his parents’ long marriage, noting that they were together for 63 years. Turning to first lady Melania Trump, he added: “That’s a record we’re not going to be able to match, honey, I’m sorry. It just doesn’t work out that way.”
The comment drew attention for its tone, which some interpreted as a joke about age or mortality.
Kimmel’s on-air reaction
On his show Tuesday night, Kimmel aired the clip and responded with surprise, “Wait a minute, did you just make a joke about your death?”
He followed up with more scathing criticism: “My God. He should be fired for that. Only Donald Trump would ask me to be fired for making a joke about his age, and then a day later go out and make fun of his own age!”
The remarks highlighted what Kimmel called a contradiction in Trump’s attitude toward humor directed at him.
The “dxpectant widow” joke controversy.
Days earlier, Kimmel drew criticism for a joke during a parody skit before the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. Referring to Melania Trump, he said: “Look at her. So beautiful. She’s glowing. Like a widow-to-be.”
The line drew backlash, especially after a shooting occurred at an actual WHCA event, where authorities said the alleged gunman targeted the president and other officials.
Calls for Kimmel’s termination from ABC
After the joke, Trump and the first lady challenged Kimmel to fire. The situation further escalated when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced an imminent review of Disney’s ABC broadcast licenses, intensifying scrutiny of the entire network.
