Kimmel made the remarks during a satirical segment on Thursday tied to the annual political event.
Just days earlier, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel had sparked controversy during a satirical segment tied to the event, mocking Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. His remarks included a jab at the First Lady that critics have since highlighted in light of recent events.
“Our First Lady, Melania, is here. Look at Melania, so beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow,” Kimmel said.
He continued with another pointed line about the couple:
“You know, Melania’s birthday is on Sunday. She’s planning to celebrate at home the same way she always does, looking out a window and whispering, ‘What have I done?’”
The comments have since resurfaced online, adding fuel to an already heated political and media firestorm surrounding the event. Kimmel’s joke drew backlash from conservative commentators and social media users, with critics calling the joke inappropriate and offensive.
”He’s evil”
Larry O’Connor of Townhall labeled Kimmel a “broken man,” writing on X:
“@disney, you have a problem.”
Political commentator Link Lauren also criticized the remarks, saying:
Other users online echoed similar reactions, with one writing:
“It’s not even inherently funny. You have to be deranged to laugh at that.”
Another added:
“He’s not broken. He’s evil.”
The backlash follows Saturday’s security incident at the Washington Hilton, where an armed man reportedly breached a security checkpoint, causing panic inside the venue. Attendees were seen taking cover as Secret Service agents responded in emergency mode.
Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were quickly “whisked away” during the chaos. Speaking afterward at a hastily arranged press conference at the White House, Trump said he initially underestimated what was happening:
“I thought it was a tray that clattered on the ground,” he told reporters.
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, allegedly attempted to breach security while armed with multiple weapons, including a shotgun, handgun, and knives.
He reportedly exchanged gunfire with agents before being taken into custody. One security officer was injured but is expected to recover after being protected by a bulletproof vest.
Authorities later said Allen had written a manifesto before the incident. His brother reportedly alerted police shortly beforehand, though officials said the document did not specifically mention the event.
Following the incident, Trump addressed the nation:
“When you’re impactful, they go after you,” he said. “They seem to think he was a lone wolf. We’re not going to let anybody take over our society.”
He also praised the injured officer:“He was shot from a very close distance with a very powerful gun, and the vest did the job. I just spoke to the officer, and he’s doing great.”
The White House has since confirmed the dinner will be rescheduled within 30 days, promising an event that will be “bigger and better.”