Megyn Kelly has criticized President Trump for calling on ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, marking a sharp turn in her response to a controversy involving a joke made about the first lady.
The Dispute Over Free Speech and Satire
The conflict began after Jimmy Kimmel joked that Melania Trump had the glow of an expectant widow
. The comment drew widespread backlash from Trump supporters, particularly as it occurred days before a gunman stormed the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 25.
President Trump responded on Truth Social, describing the joke as a despicable call to violence
and stating that Kimmel should be immediately fired by Disney and ABC
.
During a Monday episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel defended the remark, calling it a light roast regarding the couple’s age difference rather than a call to assassination
.
speech policeand that censoring speech is not the government’s job.
Megyn Kelly’s Shifting Stance
Megyn Kelly initially condemned Kimmel’s joke on Monday, calling it sick
and pernicious
whereas questioning ABC’s response. She argued that the joke contributed to a dangerous de-sensitivity toward political violence.
However, by Thursday on The Megyn Kelly Show, she labeled Trump’s demand for Kimmel’s firing as remarkably inappropriate
. Kelly asserted that the president of the United States should not call for a private company to fire an employee, specifically over matters of free speech.
Regulatory Pressure and the FCC
Parallel to the public dispute, the FCC demanded an early review of eight ABC TV licenses held by Disney on Tuesday. The agency is investigating whether the broadcaster violated its prohibition on unlawful discrimination
.
Trump-appointed FCC chairman Brendan Carr denied that this review was linked to the Kimmel controversy. Carr stated on Thursday that the decision was based on DEI conduct, not speech
, citing existing rules on the books.
Potential Future Developments
The outcome of the FCC’s review of the eight ABC licenses could lead to further regulatory scrutiny for Disney. The public disagreement between Kelly and Trump may reflect a continuing evolution in their relationship, following her previous criticism of the president’s decision to go to war with Iran earlier this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did President Trump call for Jimmy Kimmel to be fired?
President Trump claimed Kimmel’s joke about Melania Trump having the glow of an expectant widow
was a despicable call to violence
and beyond the pale
.
What was Megyn Kelly’s final position on the matter?
While she initially slammed Kimmel’s joke as insensitive, she later stated it was very inappropriate
for the president to call for a private company to fire an employee over free speech.
Is the FCC investigation linked to the Jimmy Kimmel joke?
FCC chairman Brendan Carr denied a link, stating the review of eight ABC licenses was based on DEI conduct, not speech
.
Do you believe the government should have any role in commenting on the employment status of private media personalities?
