Melania Trump accused the host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! of contributing to what she described as “political sickness” in the country, following a joke made about her during a recent televised comedy segment.

She argued that such content should not be allowed into American homes and urged ABC to take a stand against the comedian.

President Trump also demanded Kimmel’s dismissal, calling for ABC and its parent company, Disney, to remove him from the network.

The controversy comes days after a shooting incident near a White House-related event in Washington, DC, which has intensified debate over political language and public safety.

The backlash centres on comments Kimmel made during an alternative White House correspondents’ dinner, where he joked about Melania Trump’s appearance and referenced her documentary.

The remarks were interpreted by supporters of the president as offensive, while critics said they were part of routine political satire.

The White House also criticised Kimmel, with spokesperson Karoline Leavitt linking his comments to wider political tensions and accusing media figures of contributing to divisive rhetoric.

The dispute follows previous tensions between the comedian and the administration, including a brief suspension of Kimmel’s show last year after pressure from regulators over past commentary.

The latest row has reignited debate in the US over free speech and media accountability, particularly involving political satire.

Critics of government pressure on broadcasters argue that efforts to remove or punish media figures risk undermining First Amendment protections.

Republicans have long opposed what they describe as “cancel culture,” but the Trump administration has also pursued actions targeting critics, including immigration-related measures against individuals involved in political activism.

The shooting incident has added further urgency to calls for calmer political discourse, though recent statements by the president himself have also drawn attention for their strong language toward foreign governments and political opponents.