Kimmel says Donald and Melania Trump are ‘closer than ever’ after ‘expectant widow’ joke backlash
Jimmy Kimmel joked that President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are 'closer than ever' following backlash over his 'expectant widow' comment about Melania. The remark, made during a satirical White House Correspondents’ Dinner, drew condemnation and calls for Kimmel's dismissal. Kimmel doubled down on the joke, referencing the couple's recent public interactions and suggesting his humor may have positively affected their relationship.
- ▪Jimmy Kimmel made a joke referring to Melania Trump as having 'a glow like an expectant widow' during a satirical White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 23, 2026.
- ▪The comment sparked widespread backlash, with Melania Trump’s senior advisor Marc Beckman calling for Kimmel to be fired.
- ▪The Federal Communications Commission called in Disney-owned ABC stations for an early license review following the controversy.
- ▪Kimmel claimed his joke was about the Trumps' age difference and suggested it may have brought the couple closer together.
- ▪A shooting at the Washington Hilton during the actual White House Correspondents’ Dinner involved a suspect identified as Cole Allen from Torrance, California.
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Media Kimmel says Donald and Melania Trump are ‘closer than ever’ after ‘expectant widow’ joke backlash Late-night host's 'widow' joke about first lady last week drew widespread backlash and condemnation By CJ Womack Fox News Published April 30, 2026 5:07pm EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Jimmy Kimmel says Trump and Melania are ‘closer than ever’ after joke backlash Kimmel doubles down on his controversial "expectant widow" joke about first lady Melania Trump, joking that it may have brought the first couple "closer than ever." NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel renewed his mockery of President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump Wednesday, joking about their relationship following…
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