Following the incident, Melania condemned Kimmel’s words, calling them “hateful and violent rhetoric.” She argued that such comments fuel division and reflect a deeper political toxicity within the country.
Donald Trump also reacted, saying the joke crossed a line and should never have been aired. He linked the timing of the comment to a broader pattern of disrespect toward his family.
Kimmel, however, defended himself on-air, insisting the joke was misunderstood. He stated it was a light roast about age differences, not a suggestion of harm or violence.
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