Disney’s Josh D’Amaro Faces Trump-Kimmel Feud as Kimmel’s Contract Runs May 2027
President Trump demanded Disney terminate Jimmy Kimmel over his roast of the president at the White House Correspondents dinner, testing new CEO Josh D’Amaro’s leadership. Kimmel, whose ABC contract runs through May 2027, generated record social engagement, creating reputational risks and ratings benefits for Disney.
1. Trump Calls for Firing After Kimmel Roast
On April 28, President Trump publicly demanded Disney remove Jimmy Kimmel from his late-night ABC show following Kimmel’s televised roast at the White House Correspondents dinner, marking an unusual direct presidential intervention in network talent.
2. Kimmel’s ABC Contract and Viewer Engagement
Jimmy Kimmel’s current ABC contract extends through May 2027, and his recent monologue drew record social media engagement, highlighting both a ratings boost and elevated reputational exposure for Disney’s broadcast division.
3. Leadership Test for Josh D’Amaro
The incident represents the first major public controversy for CEO Josh D’Amaro since his April appointment, forcing a decision that balances potential audience gains against political and brand risk for the company.