Joe Scarborough, host of Morning Joe, dismisses criticism from Donald Trump’s inner circle against Jimmy Kimmel’s recent joke, accusing them of shedding ‘crocodile tears.’ The comedian faced backlash for referring to First Lady Melania Trump as looking like an ‘expectant widow’ during a parody of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, just days before shots were fired at the event.

Kimmel’s Joke and Initial Backlash

Kimmel explained the remark targeted the 24-year age difference between Melania Trump, 56, and President Trump, who turns 80 in June. Trump condemned the joke as ‘beyond the pale’ and demanded Kimmel’s immediate firing by Disney and ABC. Supporters labeled it ‘sick and tasteless.’

Melania Trump criticized Kimmel’s ‘hateful and violent rhetoric’ on X, stating it ‘deepens the political sickness within America’ and urged ABC to take a stand. Trump echoed this on Truth Social, insisting Kimmel be fired for crossing a dangerous line.

Scarborough’s Counterargument

Scarborough argues the outrage is hypocritical, citing Trump’s past calls for violence against rivals. ‘That’s crocodile tears,’ he said. ‘They said nothing when Trump suggested executing the chairman of the joint chiefs for treason or shooting Liz Cheney.’

Scarborough acknowledges he personally would not make such a joke but notes it fits the roast format of the dinner. ‘Comedians at these events make tough jokes,’ he added. ‘This one was about his age, nothing else.’ He highlighted that past White House Correspondents’ Dinners featured even more personal barbs.

Kimmel Doubles Down and Condemns Violence

On his show, Kimmel clarified the joke referenced the age gap, not assassination. ‘It was a light roast about him being almost 80 and her being younger,’ he said. He condemned the shooting attempt, offering condolences and apologizing to those affected.

‘I’m sorry you and the president went through that. It’s scary, and we should come together,’ Kimmel stated, invoking Melania’s anti-bullying slogan. He quipped that rejecting violent rhetoric starts with her husband and noted First Amendment protections for all speech.

Kimmel also played clips, including White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s ‘shots fired’ comment before the dinner and a 2010 video of Trump praising him.

Escalating Responses

The White House Director of Communications, Steven Cheung, called Kimmel a ‘s*** human being’ for the joke and lack of apology, demanding his firing and shunning. Media reports indicate the Trump-aligned FCC plans to challenge Disney’s ABC station licenses.

MAGA supporters flooded social media with outrage, branding Kimmel ‘evil’ over the remark.