Liberal comedian Jimmy Kimmel is facing renewed backlash after a joke about President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump aired just days before the attempted assassination at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. The incident has sparked criticism from political figures, media insiders, and even some Democrats.

Kimmel made the remark during his late-night program while imagining himself hosting the WHCA Dinner, where he delivered jokes aimed at the president and first lady, Fox News reported.

“Our first lady, Melania, is here. Look at Melania, so beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow,” Kimmel said.

President Trump and first lady Melania Trump both issued statements calling for Kimmel’s firing following the attempted attack. The White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner was attended by the Trumps and several Cabinet officials at the time of the incident.

An ABC staffer criticized the broader direction of the company while defending editorial independence.

“The government should have zero say about who is on air,” the staffer said. “But if I were the head of a media company—news, sitcoms, whatever—I’d think long and hard about the country I wanted to mirror back to my viewers.”

The staffer contrasted two different storytelling approaches when describing the network’s cultural impact.

“The ‘Ted Lasso’ model where people are fundamentally good and flawed and trying their best to build in their communities? Or the ‘House of Cards’ model where everyone is cruel, and you get ahead by not caring about anything except your team and its power,” the staffer said.

An entertainment lawyer representing ABC talent also criticized the company’s handling of the situation.

“Disney has lost its way, its identification with wholesome, American values,” the lawyer said.

The attorney questioned what level of conduct would trigger consequences for Kimmel.

“What does Kimmel have to do that affects his employer’s image, what would he have to say to face consequences?” the lawyer said.

The lawyer added that the situation reflects poorly on the company’s leadership.

“At some point, you’ve got to stand up and say, this is America. Are these values the ones you want to portray?” the lawyer said.

Former Obama adviser David Axelrod also criticized the joke. He called the comment “tasteless” and said Kimmel should apologize.

The controversy follows a prior incident involving Kimmel that drew national attention. Last fall, he faced backlash after comments tied to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

At the time, Kimmel suggested the suspect was part of the “MAGA gang,” drawing sharp criticism. The remarks prompted a response from Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, who raised concerns about the network.

Disney temporarily took Kimmel off the air following that controversy. The move sparked protests outside the company’s offices in Burbank, California, and led to subscription cancellations across Disney’s streaming platforms.

Kimmel returned to air less than a week later and addressed the backlash on his program. The company had previously extended his contract through May 2027.

The latest controversy now unfolds under new leadership at Disney. CEO Josh D’Amaro took over in March following the departure of Bob Iger.

Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate the attempted attack at the WHCA Dinner. Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, has been charged in connection with the incident.

Officials said Allen faces three counts, including attempting to assassinate the president, transporting a firearm across state lines, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Prosecutors said additional charges are expected and that he could face life in prison.