Jimmy Kimmel is no stranger to calls for his job, having faced repeated backlash from conservative critics over his political comedy in recent years. Now, in the wake of a frightening security breach at the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, those demands have once again resurfaced with renewed intensity.
The 2026 WHCD was already going to be unlike others in recent years. President Donald Trump agreed to attend after skipping the event during his first term. And rather than have a comedian emcee the dinner and roast the administration, mentalist Oz Pearlman was booked for a much different approach.
But things never went according to schedule. A gunman reportedly attempted to break through security with the intent of targeting President Trump and other members of the cabinet in attendance.
In the aftermath, a number of conservative commentators, influencers, and political figures have pointed to Kimmel as part of what they describe as a broader trend of dangerous rhetoric. They cited jokes he made just days earlier during an imaginary White House Correspondents’ Dinner alternative hosted on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
During that segment, Kimmel delivered a line about First Lady Melania Trump having the glow of “an expectant widow.” The joke has since been recirculated online in the wake of the attempted attack, with critics arguing it crossed a line. After details emerged from the suspect’s manifesto indicating an intent to assassinate Trump, several prominent pro-Trump voices connected the incident to Kimmel’s comedy.
Gunther Eagleman, a frequent pro-Trump social media presence, posted “Fire Jimmy Kimmel!” Pamela Hensley, another conservative account with a sizable following, wrote: “Jimmy Kimmel should be fired tomorrow morning at 7am by ABC. He should be told to leave the buidling and be escorted out by security. The American people are sick of his hate. Enough is enough.”
Political commentator Link Lauren shared “Jimmy Kimmel just made a disgusting ‘joke’ about Melania Trump becoming a widow. After the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and what transpired with President Trump, now they suddenly want to act shocked.”
Former Saturday Night Live cast member Rob Schneider, a favorite among conservaties, called Kimmel a "sick demented person who wants our president dead" before calling out Disney for employing the late-night host. Senator Ted Cruz responded to a tweet about Kimmel's joke with simply "sick."
This latest backlash builds on earlier calls for Kimmel’s removal that had already gone viral in recent months. Critics previously targeted the late-night host over commentary tied to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, as well as more recent jokes about Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin’s past work as a plumber.
As of now, ABC has not publicly responded to the renewed criticism. A brand-new episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! is scheduled for Monday night, giving Kimmel a chance to react to the White House Correspondents' Dinner emergency. It would also be surprising if the host didn't respond to those calling for his job. Expect Kimmel to point to similar commentary from others that didn't cause the same level of ourtage.
In another twist, Kimmel's second guest on Monday night's show will be Oz Pearlman. While Kimmel expressed disappointment that a comedian didn't get the WHCD gig, he doesn't hold anything against Pearlman for taking the job. But with the ceremony cancelled, Pearlman never got to perform. Instead, he'll share his perspective with Kimmel on the show.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs tonight on ABC at 11:35 p.m. ET.
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