President Donald Trump on Thursday publicly pressed ABC to dismiss Jimmy Kimmel, saying on his Truth Social platform that the network ought to act quickly. The post came several days after First Lady Melania Trump had publicly urged ABC to remove the late-night host.
The First Lady's call referenced a monologue Kimmel delivered shortly before a shooting at a prominent Washington dinner. In his message, Mr. Trump reiterated the demand for Kimmel's removal and characterized the host's show as "one of the lowest-rated television programs." He added that people were angry and that ABC should take action soon.
Those comments represent the latest episode of public criticism from the Trump family directed at the late-night comedian. With both the president and the first lady publicly calling on the network to fire Kimmel, the matter has moved beyond private complaint to an appeal for a corporate personnel decision.
The president's statement was posted on Truth Social and emphasized prompt action by the network. The timing - several days after the First Lady's public remarks - frames the post as part of an ongoing response from the Trump household to Kimmel's on-air remarks and their aftermath.
The public nature of the criticisms from both the president and the first lady places the focus on ABC's decision-making process for talent and programming. The president's comment about ratings - describing the program as among the lowest-rated - was included in his post as part of his argument that the network should remove the host.
Beyond the calls for termination, the statements underscore a continuing and visible disagreement between the Trumps and the late-night host. The president and First Lady have each asked for ABC to sever ties with Kimmel, elevating the matter into a clear public demand directed at the broadcaster.