Jimmy Kimmel has found a powerful supporter in Meryl Streep as Donald Trump continues to call for his firing from his late-night show.

The comedian has faced renewed backlash in recent days from the president and First Lady Melania Trump over a joke he made about her shortly before the couple was evacuated following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

Now, Streep is publicly backing Kimmel, praising him for carrying the “banner of the freedom of the press” amid the growing controversy.

Meryl Streep Comforts Jimmy Kimmel Amid Calls For His Firing

Kimmel has been in the news lately after calling Melania an “expectant widow” just days before a reported shooting incident at a White House event.

Angered by the comedian’s remark, both Trump and Melania publicly called for his dismissal, with their stance further amplified by supporters aligned with the MAGA movement.

Amid the criticism, Kimmel has also received support from within the entertainment industry. Notably, the acclaimed actress appeared concerned for him during a recent appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” while promoting the sequel to her iconic film, “The Devil Wears Prada.”

“How are you?” Streep asked as she stepped on stage. “I’m holding up,” the comedian responded.

Kimmel Also Received Support From George Clooney

Streep is not the only Hollywood star to have shown support for Jimmy Kimmel amid calls for his dismissal. Actor George Clooney also expressed similar views while attending the Chaplin Award Gala, where he was honored for his contributions to cinema.

Speaking to Variety, Clooney drew a comparison between Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial joke and remarks made by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt about “shots fired tonight,” which were made hours before the White House event.

He argued that both comments should be understood in the context of humor rather than taken literally. Clooney also argued that the press should challenge those in power and be allowed to continue holding them accountable.

“People in power don’t like to have to answer all the questions in the world. That’s fair. They shouldn’t enjoy it,” Clooney said.

Meryl Streep Praised Kimmel For ‘Being Himself’

As their conversation continued, Streep praised Kimmel for his resilience, describing him as “a prince” and “a Knight Templar.” She framed his work as part of a larger responsibility to speak openly despite criticism, telling the comedian that he is “carrying the banner of freedom of the press.”

Kimmel, clearly humbled by the remark, responded with a touch of modesty, saying, “I’m just trying to do some jokes.”

But Streep was quick to push back on that idea by emphasizing the importance of his platform for free speech.

“We all depend on you, and the world is listening,” she replied.

Jimmy Kimmel Clarified His Joke About Melania

Earlier in the week, Kimmel addressed the backlash during a monologue on his show, where he also clarified his “widow” joke.

He explained that the joke was intended as a light roast about Trump’s age and his wife being younger than him, and was not meant as a call to violence or assassination. He also added that he has long been outspoken against gun violence, and that his intent was being misinterpreted.

He also quoted Melania’s tweet, in which she called him out for “violent rhetoric,” saying he agreed that such language should be rejected. However, he added that she and her husband would need to look inward first before expecting others to do the same.

Jimmy Kimmel’s Bosses Intend To Stick By Him

Last year, when Kimmel came under fire for comments related to the murder of Charlie Kirk, he was briefly suspended before being reinstated to his position a few days later. Now, his recent actions have raised questions about whether he could face similar consequences.

For now, it appears no disciplinary action will be taken against him. A source told Page Six that Kimmel’s bosses are “sticking by” the comedian and do not plan to suspend him, fire him, or cancel the show.

The insider also noted that the matter has largely been moved past internally, with those involved in producer Kimmel’s show already back to regular taping.