A Democratic FCC commissioner warned that the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner “should not become a pretext for censoring speech,” after President Donald Trump again called for ABC to fire the late-night host over a joke he made last week in his monologue.
First Lady Melania Trump also urged the network to “take a stand” against Kimmel.
Anna Gomez, the sole Democrat on the FCC, said in a statement posted on X, “My thoughts are with the Secret Service officer injured Saturday night, and I’m grateful no lives were lost in what should have been a celebration of the free press. In moments like this, we should all reflect on the words we use and the climate they may create. As we have seen after previous acts of political violence, we cannot allow this tragedy to become a pretext for silencing speech, even speech we find objectionable. An event meant to honor the freedom of the press must never become a justification for undermining it.”
Jane Fonda‘s committee said in a statement that the Trumps’ demands to fire Kimmel “follow the same old, tired, authoritarian playbook: use the weight of government to pressure media outlets to silence speech it disfavors and chip away at First Amendment protections.
“Our answer remains the same: No. We will not obey in advance. And ABC must not, either. We will keep speaking with our First Amendment protections, and we support everyone to do the same.”
Kimmel’s skit on Thursday had him giving his own ‘alternative’ monologue to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, with archival clips of reaction shots from the first lady, Trump and others.
Kimmel said, “Our First Lady, Melania, is here. Look at Melania, so beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.”
The joke has drawn new attention following Saturday’s shooting at the dinner. Trump and the first lady, along with other administration officials, were rushed off the dais in the aftermath, as attendees got on the floor or under tables until it was clear.
ABC has not yet commented.
Fonda’s committee said, “In America, satire is not a crime. The right to mock, to challenge, and yes, to offend those in power, is foundational to democracy. From late-night television to political cartoons, comedy has long served as a powerful tool to expose hypocrisy, provoke debate, and drive accountability.”
In September, Kimmel made comments about the response to the assassination of Charlie Kirk (watch it here), a quip that ignited fierce criticism on the right.
A day later, FCC chairman Brendan Carr, appointed by Trump, criticized Kimmel’s comments and told a podcaster that “we can do this the easy way or the hard way,” a warning to broadcasters who hold licenses regulated by the agency. Hours later, ABC announced that it was sidelining Jimmy Kimmel Live!, as two major station groups, Nexstar and Sinclair, decided to preempt it.
Fonda’s committee said of Trump’s latest attack on Kimmel, “This is a test — of ABC, of the press, and of our collective commitment to the First Amendment. The pressure is real. The intent is unmistakable. But we have been here before, and we know what is required from all of us. Speak up. Push back. Do not capitulate. Do not be silent.”
