Kimmel continued his
by pointing out that he was not trying to point out a specific group as responsible for the murder of right-wing debater Charlie Kirk.At the same time, he criticized ABC for the initial decision to stop the program.
It's not legal. It's not American. It's un-American, said Kimmel and continued to direct a barb at Donald Trump.
The President of the United States made it very clear that he wants to see me and the hundreds of people who work here fired. Our leader celebrates that Americans lose their livelihood because he can't take a joke.
Kimmel also took the opportunity to praise Charlie Kirk's widow Erika for forgiving the man suspected of committing the murder during her husband's memorial.
The expectations ahead of the long-running show's return were high beforehand for the host's opening monologue.
I don't want him to apologize for the first thing he does. I would love it if he fought for his cause and stood up for what he thinks is right, said spectator Paul Dorner to the news agency AFP before the recording.
Trump's threats
That opinion was not shared by Donald Trump.
"I don't understand that ABC 'Fake News' gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. ABC told the White House that the program was canceled", Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social just before the linear broadcast.
The President is threatening to "test ABC".
"Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 million. This time it could be even more lucrative", he continued.
Refuses to broadcast
Disney-owned TV company ABC stopped Kimmel's program last week after the host commented on Charlie Kirk's suspected murderer. A few days later, ABC announced that they are withdrawing the decision after "several thought-provoking conversations with Jimmy".
But not all Americans can see it on the network. Several local ABC-affiliated stations have refused to broadcast it, including the local channel in the capital Washington DC.
Tuesday's program was attended by actor Glen Powell and musician Sarah McLachlan.
