Jimmy Kimmel, the ABC late-night host, has drawn criticism after making jokes about President Donald Trump’s potential death shortly before a man attempted to assassinate him and senior cabinet officials. This alarming incident marks the third serious threat to Trump’s life in under two years.
During a recent episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, the host performed a mock version of the White House Correspondents’ dinner, which was scheduled for Saturday night at the Washington Hilton Hotel. Notably, this event marked Trump’s first attendance during his time in office.
Kimmel filled the role of entertainer, stating that Trump had opted not to have a comedian perform, referring to the president as “a delicate snowflake with the thinnest fat skin of any human being ever” and “a trembling drama queen scared of comedy.”
He kicked off the segment by saying, “I thought, why not take a page from the Kid Rock alternative halftime show and do some of the jokes a comedian might do if our president wasn’t a trembling drama queen scared of comedy.”
In his mock setup, Kimmel addressed a digitally created audience that included key Trump figures and First Lady Melania Trump. “We’re gonna have fun tonight, and I’m happy you decided to stay, Mr. President. And don’t worry if we bruise your ego; it’ll only make your hands look less disgusting,” he quipped.
Kimmel then turned his attention to the First Lady, humorously noting, “And of course, our first lady, Melania, is here. Look at [her]. So beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow,” which elicited laughter and applause from the studio crowd.
Jimmy Kimmel: “Our First Lady is here. Mrs. Trump… you have a glow like an expectant widow!”
From his mock WHCD: pic.twitter.com/roDEttBxVN
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) April 26, 2026
The segment aired just two days before the actual Correspondents’ Dinner, which was disrupted when a gunman attempted to breach security and fired at Secret Service agents. The suspect, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, left behind a manifesto detailing his intention to kill Trump and his senior officials, targeting bystanders as well.
This manifesto referenced several leftist conspiracy theories popular on extremist platforms like Bluesky. Allen had also participated in a “No Kings” rally, was linked to a local activist group, and made a $25 contribution to a PAC connected to Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential effort.
The timing of Kimmel’s jokes raised eyebrows, especially in light of the subsequent shooting incident.
Previously, in September 2025, Kimmel faced backlash for comments following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. He controversially claimed, without evidence, that the accused shooter held right-wing beliefs, prompting multiple affiliates to refuse to air his show. Although ABC suspended him, Kimmel was later reinstated after he issued an apology.
