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Trump Demands ABC Fire Jimmy Kimmel as FCC Targets Network Station Licenses
President Donald Trump escalated his long-standing feud with Jimmy Kimmel on Thursday, stating that ABC had “better” fire the late-night comedian soon. The demand comes amid a high-stakes standoff between the White House and ABC’s parent company, Disney, which currently faces regulatory pressure from the FCC.
In a post on Truth Social Thursday morning, the President questioned when the "Fake News Network" would fire Kimmel, calling his show "low rated" and claiming that the public is "angry." He later told Newsmax’s Greta Van Susteren that "Kimmel shouldn’t be on television" and warned that ABC is putting itself in "great jeopardy" by keeping him on the air.
The latest controversy was sparked last week when Kimmel made a joke referring to First Lady Melania Trump as an “expectant widow.” The comment drew immediate condemnation from pro-Trump media outlets, particularly following the shooting outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner last Saturday. On Monday, the First Lady called for ABC to “take a stand,” and the President followed with calls for Kimmel’s immediate termination.
In what many observers describe as a retaliatory move, the Trump-aligned FCC ordered an early renewal process for Disney’s eight ABC station licenses on Tuesday. While FCC Chairman Brendan Carr asserted the action is part of an ongoing probe into Disney’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez dismissed the explanation as a "pretext" for administrative harassment.
Disney has declined to comment on the calls for Kimmel's firing, noting that he is under contract through next year. The company stated it will defend its station licenses through the "appropriate legal channels."
First Amendment advocates have expressed concern over the administration’s rhetoric. Greg Lukianoff, president of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), described the pressure as "jawboning," noting that the problem begins when the White House uses its power to pressure a private company to punish protected speech.
Despite the pressure, Kimmel has continued his monologues this week, even joking on Wednesday night that he liked to think he played a part in bringing the President and First Lady "closer than ever."
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By: CNN Newsource
April 30, 2026
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Palm Springs is mourning the loss of beloved entertainer James “Gypsy” Haake, who has died at 94. Haake began his entertainment career at just 19 years old as a Broadway chorus dancer. After retiring from the stage, he returned to performing at 82, becoming the host of Carnival Cabaret at Oscars in downtown Palm Springs. A longtime friend of our station, Haake was a familiar and beloved figure in the Palm Springs entertainment community — and his contributions were recognized with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. His career spanned more than seven decades, proving that the spotlight never truly left him. ❤️ Rest in peace, James “Gypsy” Haake. Your legacy will live on in Palm Springs. #JamesGypsyHaake #PalmSprings #PalmSpringsWalkOfStars #CarnivalCabaret #PalmSpringsEntertainment #OscarsPalmSprings #PalmSpringsHistory
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James Nellis from @dsrt_club_lq and @rd_rnnr_lq makes us one of his signature dishes, his Maine scallops with hibiscus puree. His creativity and skill lead to unique bold flavors and scrumptious dishes. We chat about his love of trying new things in the kitchen, what being a chef means to him, and how food can different, flavorful, and fun. This is James Nellis on a plate. See it now on nbcpalmsprings.com
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A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
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