The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has directed ABC to apply for renewal of its broadcast licenses by May 28, a move that comes amid escalating backlash over Jimmy Kimmel's controversial joke about Melania Trump. The licenses were originally set to expire in 2028, but an FCC filing indicates the early renewal request is linked to a prior investigation into the network's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices.
The decision also follows a formal complaint lodged against Kimmel after his late-night show on Thursday, where he suggested the First Lady had the glow of an “expectant widow.” Days later, a gunman attempted to storm the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday. In the aftermath, both Donald and Melania Trump have called for ABC to take action against the comedian, accusing him of promoting violent rhetoric.
The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) association filed a complaint with the FCC, arguing that Kimmel’s remarks “when viewed in context, raise concerns about the normalization and potential incitement of political violence.” The NRB also requested a “full and impartial investigation to determine whether federal law or Commission precedent was violated.”
“We’re seeing a pattern of violence in this country that didn't appear overnight,” said NRB President and CEO Troy Miller in a statement. “When influential voices joke about death or treat political opponents as disposable, it contributes to a culture where violence feels thinkable to the already unstable. National platforms carry real weight, and with that comes responsibility. That’s why this warranted action.”
The FCC, ABC, and a representative for Kimmel did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF) condemned the FCC’s actions as an “attack on the First Amendment.” FPF Chief of Advocacy Seth Stern stated: “The First Amendment and the FCC’s mandate do not permit the agency to use broadcast licenses as weapons to punish broadcasters for constitutionally protected content they air. Brendan Carr was once a serious communications lawyer, and has repeatedly and correctly said that the FCC has no role in policing content, whether news reporting or comedians’ late night jokes. Carr’s decision to abandon his principles to kiss up to Trump to advance his career does not change the law that Carr knows full-well applies. The FCC is neither the journalism police nor the humor police. This is nothing but illegal jawboning intended to intimidate ABC into kissing the ring.”
Another advocacy group, Free Press, echoed similar sentiments. Co-CEO Jessica J. González said: “Carr will try to dress up this latest attack like a legitimate FCC procedure, but his motivations are clear. He is using his position of power to silence dissent at the president’s beck and call. This extraordinary and unconstitutional attack on the media is nothing more than another favor to the most fragile president in U.S. history.”
On Monday night, Kimmel opened his show by describing the joke as a light roast about the couple’s age difference and “not, by any stretch of the definition, a call to assassination.” He added, “And they know that. I’ve been very vocal for many years, speaking out against gun violence, in particular.” The host expressed sympathy for the president and others at the event, calling it a “traumatic and scary” ordeal. “I agree that hateful and violent rhetoric is something we should reject,” Kimmel said. “I do, and I think a great place to start to dial that back would be to have a conversation with your husband about it.”
Melania Trump responded to the sketch in a post on X on Monday, calling Kimmel a “coward.” She wrote: “Kimmel’s hateful and violent rhetoric is intended to divide our country. His monologue about my family isn’t comedy – his words are corrosive and deepen the political sickness within America. People like Kimmel shouldn’t have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate. A coward, Kimmel hides behind ABC because he knows the network will keep running cover to protect him. Enough is enough. It is time for ABC to take a stand. How many times will ABC’s leadership enable Kimmel’s atrocious behavior at the expense of our community.”
Soon after, Donald Trump echoed his wife’s remarks on his social media platform Truth Social, calling for Disney and ABC to fire Kimmel “immediately.” This incident follows a previous suspension in September, when Kimmel was taken off the air for comments made after the murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. That suspension drew widespread criticism from Hollywood stars and political figures, leading to Kimmel’s return five days later.
