Rodney Walker Joins President Trump and First Lady in Calling for ABC to Fire Jimmy Kimmel

LINEVILLE, Ala. - Alabama U.S. Senate candidate Rodney Walker issued a forceful statement Wednesday aligning himself with President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in demanding that Disney and ABC terminate late‑night host Jimmy Kimmel.

Walker's comments follow national controversy surrounding a recent Kimmel monologue in which the comedian made a remark about the First Lady that critics have described as inappropriate and insensitive. The exchange has drawn heightened scrutiny because it aired just two days before an attempted assassination of President Trump, an incident in which the suspect reportedly left a note claiming he believed it was his "duty" to target the administration.

Walker said the network now faces a defining moment.

According to Walker, major media companies "have a choice to make," arguing that continuing to employ Kimmel would signal to viewers what the network "stands for." He said that while comedians have long taken aim at presidents and first ladies, the comments in question crossed a line because they appeared to joke about the First Lady becoming a widow shortly before an attack on the President.

Walker said that millions of Americans, including families in Alabama, invite network programming into their homes each night and deserve higher standards from national broadcasters. He echoed the President and First Lady in calling for Kimmel to be fired rather than reprimanded or suspended.

Walker also warned that if ABC and Disney decline to act, "the American people will," adding that voters would remember which executives chose to keep the host on air.

Rodney Walker, a businessman, helicopter pilot, and former sheriff's department aviator, is running in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate in Alabama, scheduled for May 19, 2026.

The Walker campaign directed media inquiries to its website, walkerforalabama.com, or to its press email.

The Republican primary is May 19.