Even though Queen Camilla and Melania Trump turned heads in elegant pink dresses, reports claim they overlooked a well-established state dinner tradition with their attire choices. 👀 The reasoning is detailed in the comments. ⬇️ Is there value in preserving customs, or is it appropriate to step away from tradition? 🤔

People take cover after an incident at the annual White House Correspondents Association Dinner in Washington, DC on April 25, 2026. | Source: Getty Images
People take cover after an incident at the annual White House Correspondents Association Dinner in Washington, DC on April 25, 2026. | Source: Getty Images

“He was there for a very obvious and sinister reason. I appreciate that so many people are incensed by Kimmel’s despicable call to violence, and normally would not be responsive to anything that he said but, this is something far beyond the pale.”

As backlash intensified, Jimmy addressed the controversy during his show, pushing back against claims that his joke had dangerous implications.

Jimmy Kimmel presents the award for Best Documentary Short Film onstage during the 98th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 15, 2026. | Source: Getty Images
Jimmy Kimmel presents the award for Best Documentary Short Film onstage during the 98th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 15, 2026. | Source: Getty Images

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The Late-Night Host Responds
Jimmy, however, wasn’t backing down. The “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” host reportedly responded to both the president and first lady during his Monday, April 27, monologue.

In the monologue, the host insists that a joke he delivered three days before the White House Correspondents’ Dinner could not have had an impact on the attempted assassination attempt on Saturday, April 25. He firmly denied that his remarks were anything more than humor, calling the criticism exaggerated.

“It was not by any stretch a call to assassination,” Jimmy said, adding that he has long spoken out against gun violence. “And they know that I’ve been very vocal for many years, speaking out against gun violence in particular.”

Jimmy Kimmel during a White House Correspondents’ Dinner-themed monologue on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” where his remarks days before the event later drew backlash | Source: Getty Images
Jimmy Kimmel during a White House Correspondents’ Dinner-themed monologue on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” where his remarks days before the event later drew backlash | Source: Getty Images

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Still, he acknowledged the gravity of the situation surrounding the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

“I am sorry that you and the president and everyone in that room on Saturday went through that. I really am,” he said. “Just because no one got killed doesn’t meant it wasn’t traumatic and scary. And we should come together and be best. We really should [sic].”

But then came the line that added another twist to the saga:

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“But if you want us to believe that a joke I made three days before this dinner had any effect on anything that happened, well maybe you should look into this psychic lady, too.”

Jimmy Kimmel on an episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on April 23, 2026. | Source: Getty Images
Jimmy Kimmel on an episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on April 23, 2026. | Source: Getty Images

The Joke That Sparked the Political Firestorm