Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel will return to television on Tuesday evening after being suspended for comments made about the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the Walt Disney Company announced on Monday.
Hours after the high-profile memorial for Kirk, the company that owns ABC explained that they chose to remove Kimmel indefinitely to “avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country.”
“It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive,” Disney said in a statement.
Sinclair Broadcast Group said Monday it will continue not to air Kimmel’s show on its ABC-affiliated stations. It’s unclear whether Nexstar Media Group will allow the late-night show to return to its ABC-affiliated stations.
Officials, conservative groups, and lawmakers, including President Donald Trump, had condemned Kimmel for mischaracterizing the suspected assassin who killed Kirk as “MAGA” on his show, Jimmy Kimmel Live! Authorities say the suspected shooter did not agree with Kirk’s ideology.
ABC decided to “indefinitely” remove Kimmel after FCC chair Brendan Carr pressured the network.
But the fallout of ABC’s decision has led to protests and concerns from entertainers and lawmakers about the government infringing on free speech.
Disney said after having “thoughtful conversations” with Kimmel, they are choosing to return the show.
Key points
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return on Tuesday
- Donald Trump’s ‘I hate my opponents’ remark draws sharp criticism
- White House attacks Democrats who did not sign Kirk resolution
- Erika Kirk says she forgives her husband's killer as she pays emotional tribute
- Trump will sign executive order designating Antifa terrorist organization
What to know about Jimmy Kimmel's return
00:45 , Rachel Dobkin- Comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show will return to ABC on Tuesday.
- Disney, ABC’s parent company, said it decided to suspend Kimmel's show last Wednesday “to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country.”
- Sinclair Broadcast Group said it would continue not to air Kimmel’s show on its ABC-affiliated stations following Disney’s announcement.
- Kimmel had made comments in the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s fatal shooting, suggesting his suspected assassin, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was “MAGA.”
- Officials say Robinson was radicalized online and subscribed to a “leftist” ideology.
- Kimmel’s suspension was met with celebration by MAGA figures, including President Donald Trump, and criticism by others who saw it as a violation of free speech protections.
- By Monday afternoon, more than 400 celebrities, including actresses Jennifer Aniston and Meryl Streep, signed an open letter denouncing ABC’s decision to pull Kimmel off the air.
- It’s unclear how Kimmel will address the recent controversy when he returns to late night TV.
People heading for exits as Trump speaks, reports say
Monday 22 September 2025 00:01 , Oliver O'ConnellAs President Donald Trump continues speaking, delivering by far the longest speech of the day, hundreds of people are leaving State Farm Stadium, according to reports by both CNN and The New York Times.
Many have been on-site since well before dawn in order to get inside and are now likely wanting to get ahead of the likely gridlocked traffic in the area at the conclusion of the event.
Watch: Trump talks tariffs at Kirk memorial service
Monday 22 September 2025 00:04 , Oliver O'ConnellTrump: Tariffs are making us rich again. Richer than anybody ever thought was possible. And the only one challenging them are people that hate our country or foreign countries that are paying a price pic.twitter.com/HeKwFGKTXx
— Acyn (@Acyn) September 21, 2025
Trump: 'The bullet was aimed at every one of us'
Monday 22 September 2025 00:11 , Oliver O'ConnellCharlie's murder was not just an attack on one man or one movement. It was an attack on our entire nation,” says President Donald Trump. “That was a horrible attack on the United States of America. It was an assault on our most sacred liberties and God given rights. The gun was pointed at him, but the bullet was aimed at all of us. That bullet was aimed at every one of us.
Trump joined on stage by Erika Kirk as he concludes remarks
Monday 22 September 2025 00:21 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump was joined on stage by Erika Kirk as he concluded his remarks, paying tribute to her late husband.
During his speech, the president ssaid he would award Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
.@POTUS: It’s rare that such a thing happens, but Charlie is bigger today than he was just two weeks ago... That is why I will soon award Charlie the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. And we will do the ceremony at our beautiful White House. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/bvtpMUO4E0
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 21, 2025
Watch: Charlie Kirk tribute video captures last moments at Utah Valley University
Monday 22 September 2025 00:30 , Oliver O'Connell
Charlie Kirk’s last moments at Utah University shown in tribute video
'For Charlie': Musk tweets picture of him and Trump
Monday 22 September 2025 00:43 , Oliver O'ConnellFor Charlie pic.twitter.com/8092jIt319
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 21, 2025
Full story: ‘Charlie’s angry with me right now’: Trump says he ‘hates opponents’ moments after emotional Erika Kirk ‘forgives’ husband’s killer
Monday 22 September 2025 00:45 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump said that he “hates” his political opponents moments after Erika Kirk, the widow of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, forgave her husband’s killer in an emotional tribute at his memorial.
Trump was the headline speaker Sunday at Kirk’s public memorial service at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona and immediately followed Erika Kirk’s powerful speech.
Trump apologized to Kirk and his widow for “disagreeing” with them when it comes to dealing with political foes.
Rhian Lubin reports.
Trump says he ‘hates opponents’ after Charlie Kirk’s widow Erika ‘forgives’ killer
Watch: Trump and Erika Kirk embrace at conclusion of Charlie Kirk memorial service
01:00 , Oliver O'ConnellPres. Trump and Erika Kirk embrace at conclusion of Charlie Kirk memorial service in Arizona ... pic.twitter.com/quIqzUszRD
— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) September 21, 2025
CNN pundit Van Jones says Charlie Kirk sent him unexpected final message
01:30 , Oliver O'ConnellCNN analyst Van Jones revealed Saturday that the day before Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at an outdoor college debate event, the conservative activist had messaged him inviting him onto his show.
The liberal pundit believes Kirk’s final text to him offers a powerful message about debating and managing political disagreements.
Read on...
Liberal pundit Van Jones says Charlie Kirk sent him unexpected final message
Commenting on political climate in US, Angelina Jolie says she doesn’t ‘recognize’ her country
02:00 , Oliver O'ConnellAngelina Jolie has commented on the United States’ political climate.
On Sunday, the Maria actor, 50, attended the San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain for the premiere of her latest movie, Couture, when she was asked, “What do you fear as an artist and an American?”
After a brief pause, she admitted it was “a very difficult question.”
Brittany Miller reports.
Angelina Jolie says she doesn’t ‘recognize’ her country as she comments on politics
Report: Feds have found no links between Kirk assassination suspect and left-wing groups
02:30 , Oliver O'ConnellFederal investigators have found no evidence linking Tyler Robinson , who is accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk, to left-wing groups, despite claims from former President Donald Trump and his administration , three sources tell NBC News.
The trio of insiders is reportedly familiar with the probe into the case, which, as of now, appears to revolve around Robinson, 22, acting alone.
Erin Keller reports.
Feds finding no link between Kirk suspect and left-wing groups: report
Watch: Erika Kirk reveal supportive words from Usha Vance
03:00 , Oliver O'Connell
Erika Kirk reveals Usha Vance’s kind words to her hours after husband Charlie’s death
Trump orders attorney general to prosecute his political enemies straight away
03:30 , Oliver O'ConnellAhead of his speech at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, in which he said, unlike the late conservative activist, that he hates his opponents, President Donald Trump ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute his political enemies straight away.
John Bowden reports.
Trump orders attorney general to prosecute his political enemies straight away
Split emerges among GOP senators on Trump’s targeting of media
04:00 , Oliver O'ConnellRepublicans on Capitol Hill are not entirely comfortable with Donald Trump’s efforts to suppress dissenting views on the mainstream broadcast and cable channels, and a divide is emerging in the party over the efforts by the administration to pressure ABC into suspending Jimmy Kimmel indefinitely last week.
On Sunday, two recurring critics of the president within his own party were on the Sunday talk circuit reacting to Kimmel’s suspension. The Jimmy Kimmel Live! host was pulled from the airwaves last week after making comments about the shooting death of Charlie Kirk on his show and accusing Republicans of exploiting the moment for recriminations against the left.
John Bowden reports from Washington, D.C.
Split emerges among Republican senators on Trump’s targeting of media
Watch: Trump and Musk reunited at Charlie Kirk memorial
04:59 , Oliver O'Connell
Watch: Trump and Musk shake hands as pair reunite at Charlie Kirk memorial
Trump’s ‘I hate my opponents’ remark draws sharp criticism
05:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarDonald Trump’s speech on Sunday at Charlie Kirk’s memorial, where he said that he hates his opponents, drew sharp reactions on social media from Democrats.
One social media user wrote: “How is this supposed to unite the American people?”Another wrote: “In the most basic sense of the word, Trump is not a Christian. Jesus said to love your neighbor, to love your enemies, to shelter the stranger and forgive those who wrong you. Trump does none of those things. Literally, none of them.”
Trump: That's where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent and I don't want the best for them.
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) September 21, 2025
Nothing but a hateful loser.
pic.twitter.com/dwVBWEA2TI
Another wrote: “No president in our history has ever uttered such divisive and foul words. Yet democrats are being harangued for divisive rhetoric?”
The Republicans Against Trump handle on X called Trump “Nothing but a hateful loser.”
Erika Kirk vows to carry on late husband’s work
06:00 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe wife of Charlie Kirk, Erika Kirk, vowed on Sunday to carry on the conservative activist’s work.
During the memorial, she said: “I love you Charlie, baby. And I will make you proud.”
Last week, she was made the CEO of Turning Point USA, the organization her husband founded.
“The world needs Turning Point USA. It needs a group that will point young people away from the path of misery and sin. It needs something that will lead people away from hell in this world and in the next. It needs young people pointed in the direction of truth and beauty.
“And so I promise you today, every part of our work will become greater,” Kirk said.
Trump and Musk reunited at Charlie Kirk memorial
06:30 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump and Elon Musk were reunited at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service in Arizona following their bitter split a few months ago.
The men were seen on camera shaking hands Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale during speeches remembering the Turning Point USA founder.
Rhian Lubin has the story.
Trump and Musk reunited at Charlie Kirk memorial months after bitter breakup
Full report: Erika Kirk heart-wrenchingly ‘forgives’ Charlie’s killer before Trump declares ‘hate’ for foes in politics-laden eulogy
07:00 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump said that he “hates” his political opponents moments after Erika Kirk, the widow of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, forgave her husband’s killer in an emotional tribute at his memorial.
Trump was the headline speaker Sunday at Kirk’s public memorial service at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona and immediately followed Erika Kirk’s powerful speech.
Trump apologized to Kirk and his widow for “disagreeing” with them when it comes to dealing with political foes.
Rhian Lubin reports from New York.
Erika Kirk says she ‘forgives’ Charlie’s killer before Trump declares ‘hate’ for foes
Watch: Donald Trump Jr does impression of his father
07:30 , Oliver O'ConnellIn an unexpected moment (for a memorial service), Donald Trump Jr. did an impression of his father, to much laughter from the crowd and a smile and a wave from the president.
Trump: 'The bullet was aimed at every one of us'
08:00 , Oliver O'ConnellCharlie's murder was not just an attack on one man or one movement. It was an attack on our entire nation,” says President Donald Trump. “That was a horrible attack on the United States of America. It was an assault on our most sacred liberties and God given rights. The gun was pointed at him, but the bullet was aimed at all of us. That bullet was aimed at every one of us.
In Photos: Charlie Kirk memorial service
08:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar
Asked about fate of killer, Charlie Kirk’s widow Erika says she does not ‘want that man’s blood on my ledger’
09:00 , Oliver O'ConnellCharlie Kirk’s widow has said she wants to let the government decide whether her husband’s accused killer will receive the death penalty, saying she does not want his blood on her “ledger.”
Tyler Robinson was formally charged with aggravated murder last week after Kirk, 31, was assassinated on Sept. 10 on the college campus of Utah Valley University in Orem.
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announced the formal charges against 22-year-old Robinson at a press conference last Tuesday and said he would be seeking the death penalty in the case.
Rhian Lubin reports.
Charlie Kirk’s widow says the state should decide the fate of his killer
Kash Patel reveals FBI is investigating ‘hand gestures’ of people standing near Charlie Kirk before shooting
09:30 , Oliver O'ConnellFBI Director Kash Patel issued a lengthy statement about the agency’s investigation into the murder of Charlie Kirk on Sunday where he indicated that a man seen standing near Kirk making “hand gestures” was being looked into.
Patel wrote on X that the agency was “meticulously investigating theories and questions”, including whether the suspect in the shooting, Tyler Robinson, had an accomplice.
John Bowden has the latest on the investigation.
Kash Patel reveals FBI looking at ‘hand gestures’ of man standing near Charlie Kirk
Steve Bannon: ‘Teachers are terrorists’
10:10 , Joe SommerladDiscussing Charlie Kirk with his Real America’s Voice co-host Gina Loudon during the network’s broadcast of the service yesterday, the former White House adviser to Trump and Breitbart editor showed little interest in lowering the temperature.
When Loudon put it to Bannon that Kirk had been an advocate for unfashionable or unpopular social values like young marriage and large families, he responded: “Well, I actually think they are popular but it’s not the way those kids – look, from kindergarten all the way up, they are essentially, you know, a third of the teachers are terrorists that are trying to form them.”
Loudon had no problem with that statement and Bannon, 71, continued to argue that young conservatives shared Kirk’s positions even though “the way they’re formed” is “radical.”
He said: “Particularly young men who have been told, ‘You’re bad, you’re everything evil, you’ve gotta change, we have to change you, we have to give you drugs’ – that’s what I think underneath about the family, about marrying early, about having lots of kids, and about being a good dad, I think that that is right below the surface.”
The MAGA influencer has previously reacted to Kirk’s assassination by calling him “a casualty of war.”
Roger Stone says Kirk would have made 'a great president'
10:40 , Joe SommerladAlso paying tribute over the weekend was the Machiavellian Republican fixer Roger Stone, who told Newsmax on Saturday that the deceased was “enormously talented” and could have gone all the way to the White House had he lived.
Here’s what he had to say:
“I really didn’t know Charlie Kirk until the FBI raided my home at 6 in the morning … Charlie reached out to me. We didn’t know each other, and he said, ‘This is outrageous. You’re being framed. There is no Russian collusion.’ We both know it. And he became both a public, but probably more importantly, a private advocate for clemency.
“He’s the only reason I'm able to be with you today. I came to love the man. He was enormously talented. He also confided in me. I think I’m free to say now that he did have political aspirations, that he was thinking about a potential future race for governor of Arizona. And yes, someday, I think he aspired to be president.
“I think he had the faith and the principles, and the discipline and the drive; he could have been a great presidential candidate, could have someday been a great president.
“I’m still in shock about this, but I also am concerned that some on our own side will take the wrong conclusions. Look, I was censored in 2017. I had almost a million followers on what was then Twitter, and then out of the blue without explanation, I was banned. Then I was banned on Facebook, then I was banned on Instagram, then I was banned on YouTube. What was my sin? Supporting Donald Trump and questioning whether the Russian collusion hoax was a fraud.
“Charlie Kirk himself said it. There is no such thing as hate speech. In fact, the First Amendment is specifically designed to protect the most repugnant, disgusting, offensive speech. That’s the American system, free speech that we have, that we revere. And therefore, those who say, oh, the left censored us. So now that we're in power, we should censor them. Charlie would not have agreed. He would not have approved.”
Kyle Rittenhouse took week off work to grieve Kirk
11:10 , Joe SommerladThe man acquitted of shooting three Black Lives Matter protesters in Kenosha, Wisconsin, during the pandemic, two of whom died – an act he argued had been carried out in self-defense and which made him a conservative cause celebre – has told Fox News Digital of his pain over Kirk’s murder.
“When Charlie was assassinated, I was on my lunch break at work. I just got home to let my dog out. And I went on X, and the first video I saw was my friend being murdered,” Rittenhouse, now 22, told Fox.
“I took the rest of the day off work. I took the rest of the week off of work because Charlie meant a lot to me.”
Trump to link Tylenol use in pregnant women to autism as president promises ‘amazing’ announcement
11:40 , Joe SommerladThe president briefly tailed off from his tribute to Kirk yesterday to trail his next public speaking engagement: an announcement at the White House today at which he is expected to claim a link between Tylenol consumption during pregnancy and autism, an idea broadly rejected by medical experts.
Here’s a preview.
Trump expected to link Tylenol use in pregnant women to autism
Watch: Erika Kirk says she forgives her husband's killer
12:10 , Joe SommerladThis was the moment the Turning Point USA founder’s widow cited the Bible to explain her decision to “forgive” Kirk’s assassin.
Premium: In Magaworld Charlie Kirk was a moderate – those vying for his crown could be different
12:40 , Joe SommerladEqual parts preacher and salesman, the right-wing activist had an instinct for connecting with and mobilising the youth vote for Trump.
But he was also seen as someone who thrived in a modern right-wing economy where conflict is a valuable currency and who comes next could change everything, writes Alex Hannaford.
In Maga world Charlie Kirk was a moderate, so who are those vying for his crown now?
University where Kirk was killed starts to reshape its shattered identity
13:10 , Joe SommerladThe students and faculty of Utah Valley University continue to reel from the shocking events of September 10.
Here’s a report on how the academic community is coping.
The university where Charlie Kirk was killed starts to reshape its shattered identity
Watch: Hegseth reflects on Kirk’s military aspirations
13:40 , Joe SommerladHere’s the secretary of war on the activist’s teenage years, when he dreamt of enrolling at West Point.
Full story: Trump declares ‘hate’ for foes in politics-laden eulogy
14:10 , Joe SommerladHere’s Rhian Lubin with a look back at the president’s headline address at yesterday’s Kirk memorial, which risked inflaming existing political tensions still further as he spoke of his “hatred” for his enemies.
Erika Kirk says she ‘forgives’ Charlie’s killer before Trump declares ‘hate’ for foes
Trump and Musk reunited at Kirk memorial months after bitter breakup
14:40 , Joe SommerladThe estranged billionaires – who suffered a spectacular public falling out on social media in early July over the president’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill” as the Tesla boss left Washington – found themselves reunited in Arizona yesterday and shook hands, apparently burying the hatchet.
Rhian Lubin reports.
Trump and Musk reunited at Charlie Kirk memorial months after bitter breakup
Trump uses memorial to make promises of political retribution
15:00 , Ariana BaioPresident Donald Trump promised to seek retribution against the “radical left” while remembering Charlie Kirk during his memorial service on Sunday evening, drawing backlash to comments that indicate the crackdown on liberals is just beginning.
In a firey speech, the president pitted the left and right against each other, falsely asserting violence mostly comes from left-wing radicals and that liberals think they’re better than conservatives.
“To those trying to incite violence against us, those trying to foment hatred against us, what do you have? You have nothing. You are nothing. You are wickedness. You are jealousy. You are envy. You are hatred. You are nothing. You can build nothing. You can produce nothing. You can create nothing. We are the ones who build. We are the ones who create. We are the ones who lift up humanity,” Trump said.
Despite Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, tearfully saying she forgave the man who assassinated her husband and encouraging people to keep conversations open, Trump took a different path.
“I hate my opponent,” Trump said. “And I don’t want the best for them!”
Trump then turned to Erika Kirk and apologized for disagreeing with her husband.
Kirk wanted Musk and Trump to make up
15:30 , Ariana BaioCharlie Kirk had voiced a desire for President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk to reconcile after Musk bitterly left his senior adviser position with the administration earlier this year.
At Kirk’s funeral on Sunday, Musk and Trump displayed an amicable relationship.
Speaking to Megyn Kelly on her podcast earlier this year, Kirk said he knew both Trump and Musk and was “hopeful” and “optimistic” that they would rejoin forces.
Kirk promised to “do everything I possibly can to try and bring this back together.”
Watch: Charlie Kirk's alleged killer Tyler Robinson seen in resurfaced 2022 video after car crash
16:00 , Holly BishopThe sinister role of ‘black-pilling’ in the murder of Charlie Kirk
16:30 , Chloe CombiAs the motives of the suspected assassin are still being investigated, markings on the bullet casings point to a dark movement in meme culture – where young people fantasise about disrupting and destroying the world through chaos. Chloe Combi reports
The sinister role of ‘black-pilling’ in the murder of Charlie Kirk
Erika Kirk ‘implored’ Charlie Kirk to wear bulletproof vest before shooting: report
17:00 , Ariana BaioErika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, said in the months leading up to the assassination of her husband, she wanted him to wear a bulletproof vest to ensure his safety, during an interview with the New York Times.
Charlie had been receiving death threats over the last year and had begun traveling with a security detail in the last few months, as a result, he revealed to a New York Times reporter over the summer.
Knowing that her husband’s debates on college campuses often generated controversy, Erika said she “implored” Charlie to wear a bulletproof vest while visiting campuses for his organization Turning Point USA.
But Charlie declined.
Even a friend suggested Charlie sit behind bulletproof glass while debating young people to create a safe barrier.
Trump appears unmoved by apparent Musk reconciliation at Charlie Kirk memorial
17:30 , Rhian LubinPresident Donald Trump and Elon Musk were reunited at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service in Arizona following their bitter split a few months ago.
The men were seen on camera shaking hands on Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale during speeches remembering the Turning Point USA founder.
However, when asked about the meeting by reporters on Air Force One, the president did not seem very moved.
“Well, Elon came over and said hello. And, no, it’s nothing to do with that. It was — I thought it was nice. And he came over. Had a little conversation. We had a very good relationship. But it was nicer that he came,” Trump said.
Whoopi Goldberg slams Jimmy Kimmel suspension on The View after rumors they’d been ‘silenced’ by ABC
17:50 , Caitlin HornickThe co-hosts of The View have finally spoken out about the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s show following his comments about slain Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
The View — which, like Kimmel’s late night show, also airs on ABC — was conspicuously silent about Kimmel’s suspension during its Thursday and Friday broadcasts, leading fans to believe the network urged the co-hosts to remain silent on the matter.
However, Monday’s episode began with co-host Whoopi Goldberg acknowledging the elephant in the room: “Did y’all really think we weren’t going to talk about Jimmy Kimmel? I mean, have you watched the show over the last 29 seasons? No one silences us.
“When the news broke last week about Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension, we took a breath to see if Jimmy was going to say anything about it first,” Goldberg continued. “You cannot like a show and it can go off the air. Someone can say something they shouldn’t and get taken off the air. But the government cannot apply pressure to force someone to be silenced.”
Educators face harsh consequences for making comments about Kirk assassination
18:15 , Ariana BaioTeachers, professors, and academic professionals who made negative comments about Charlie Kirk or in some way dismissed the severity of the killing after he was assassinated have faced consequences for such action, including firings.
A high school Catholic school teacher in Oregon was fired after allegedly telling students Kirk “spread hate.”
An Iowa teacher has sued his school district after he was fired for comparing Kirk to a Nazi on social media.
Dozens of similar cases have popped up around the country – leading some to express concerns that local, state, or the federal government is clamping down on academic freedom.
At least 60 professors and teachers have been retaliated against, the American Association of University Professors, a group dedicated to defending academic freedom, told the New York Times.
Vice President JD Vance told Fox News that “a university professor who benefits from American tax dollars” and makes comments “celebrating” Kirk’s death should lose their job, or the university should face funding loss.
Trump says Erika Kirk's forgiveness with 'greatest act of grace'
18:23 , Ariana BaioPresident Donald Trump said Erika Kirk’s forgiveness toward the man who assassinated her husband is the “greatest act of grace this world has ever seen,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday.
Mamdani pulls out of televised town hall after ABC suspends Kimmel
18:40 , Ariana BaioNew York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani announced, on Monday, that he is cancelling a televised town hall that was planned to air on WABC News later this week after the network indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show.
Mamdani, who has condemned the assassination of Charlie Kirk, said that ABC’s decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! after FCC chair Brendan Carr pressured the network was “a message the First Amendment is no longer a right that can be counted on.”
“Rather that it is government which will determine what should and should not be discussed, what can and cannot be spoken,” Mamdani said
“We cannot noramlize these kinds of acts nor offesnses. These must be the basis upon which we act.”
The town hall had been planned for several weeks. The Mamdani campaign told AMNY that it is “considering a number of town halls to come.”
Trump will sign executive order designating Antifa terrorist organization
18:50 , Ariana BaioTrump plans to sign an executive order that will designate Antifa, a left-wing anti-fascist political organization, as a domestic terrorism organization.
Following the assassination of Kirk, Trump has pointed fingers at the left, claiming they are to blame for inciting political violence that ultimately led to Kirk’s killing.
The person suspected of killing Kirk expressed negative views toward Kirk, according to officials. But it is unclear what the suspected assassin’s political beliefs were.
But the White House said the president is moving full steam ahead and planning to sign an executive order, as early as Monday, designating Antifa a domestic terrorism organization
White House attacks Democrats who did not sign Kirk resolution
19:00 , Ariana BaioWhite House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt strongly condemned the 96 Democratic members of Congress who refused to sign a House resolution that honors the life of Kirk.
Referring to the Democrats as “fringe,” and “radical” Leavitt criticized those who did not vote in favor of the resolution.
Leavitt misrepresented the resolution as a simple statement “condemning, in the strongest possible terms, the assassination of Charles James Kirk in all forms of political violence.”
“There were no strings attached to this vote. This was a simple gesture of human decency to denounce political violence,” Leavitt said.
The House resolution, which ultimately did pass, was a condemnation of the assassination, but it was also an endorsement of Kirk.
The resolution said Kirk sought to “elevate truth, foster understanding, and strengthen the Republic” and “worked tirelessly to promote unity without compromising on conviction.” It also claimed he was a model for all young Americans
Asked about Trump's rhetoric, White House says he is 'authentic'
19:15 , Ariana BaioThe White House justified Trump’s harsh statement, saying he hates his political opponents, by contending the president is “authentically himself.”
During Kirk’s memorial on Sunday, Trump said, "I hate my opponent and I don't want the best for them.”
When asked whether or not Trump’s statement aligned with turning the temperature down on political violence in the country, Leavitt shrugged it off.
“Look, the president is authentically himself. I think that's why millions of Americans across the country love him,” Leavitt said.
The administration has said it would target individuals who do not condemn Kirk’s assassination or “celebrate” his killing. Trump has also blamed the left for using rhetoric that incited political violence.
Jimmy Kimmel’s cousin says there are more ‘bombshells’ to come after shock axing
19:30 , Kevin E G PerryJimmy Kimmel’s cousin and longtime collaborator Sal Iacono says there are more “bombshells” yet to be revealed regarding the late-night host being pulled off the air.
Speaking on The Bill Simmons Podcast, Iacono said he didn’t want to reveal too much as he’s aware many Jimmy Kimmel Live! staff members could still lose their jobs, but continued: “I wish I could say anything. There are a couple bombshells still there. I’m feeling good. We’re going to be all right. Everything’s going to be just fine.”
He also agreed that Kimmel would be fine whatever happens in the fallout, agreeing with host Simmons when he said: “He’ll be fine, whatever he wants to do. He might just want to be a pop-up chef and start making barbecue around the South Bay. He’ll do a great job.”
Utah Valley University launching review of Charlie Kirk shooting to improve campus security
20:00 , APUtah Valley University is launching an independent, external review of the fatal shooting of prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk on its campus earlier this month.
“We believe the findings of the comprehensive, third-party independent review of this targeted act of violence will offer valuable insights on how college campuses improve response and preparedness moving forward,” Astrid S. Tuminez, the school's president, said in an emailed statement. “We will integrate the findings into our efforts to strengthen and improve safety practices for UVU and all of Utah higher education.”
Trump ‘open’ to adding a Charlie Kirk national holiday after complaining on Juneteenth that there were too many of them
20:30 , Andrew FeinbergLess than three months after President Donald Trump complained that Americans have “too many non-working holidays,” the White House says he would not oppose adding one more — in honor of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Andrew Feinberg reports:
Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return on Tuesday
20:54 , Ariana BaioLate-night host Jimmy Kimmel will return to television on Tuesday evening, the Walt Disney Company said in a statement on Monday.
Just hours after officials held a high-profile memorial for Charlie Kirk, the company that owns ABC said it would allow Kimmel to return.
“Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country,” Disney said in a statement.
“It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive. We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.”
Turning Point USA will leave an empty chair in tribute to Charlie Kirk
21:15 , Ariana BaioTurning Point USA, the nonprofit founded by Charlie Kirk, will continue its American Comeback Tour on Monday and pay tribute to Kirk with a gesture.
“The event will go on,” Michael Knowles, a conservative political commentator, told Fox & Friends.
“There will be an empty chair on stage. I will give a tribute to Charlie and then we will open up the floor to an open conversation. Charlie’s enemies will not have stopped that,” Knowles added
Knowles is expected to host an event in Minnesota with several of Kirk’s friends.
Producer of Kirk's podcast urges TV station operators not to air Kimmel's show
21:30 , Ariana BaioAndrew Klovert, the executive producer of Charlie Kirk’s podcast, reacted to news that ABC will allow Jimmy Kimmel to return to the air by urging the largest television station operators not to air the show.
“Disney and ABC caving and allowing Kimmell [sic] back on the air is not surprising, but it's their mistake to make. Nextstar and Sinclair do not have to make the same choice,” Klovert wrote on X.
Sinclair Broadcasting Group and Nexstar Media Group are the largest TV station operators in the country, owning and operating most stations across the country.
Both had said they would refuse to air Kimmel’s show after the host made comments about the suspected shooter who killed Kirk. That was after FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened ABC and its parent company, Disney, to hold Kimmel accountable and pressured local stations to preempt Kimmel’s show.
Sisters accused of vandalizing Charlie Kirk memorial launch GoFundMe after job loss
22:00 , Graig GraziosiAfter two sisters in Arkansas were arrested for allegedly vandalizing a Charlie Kirk memorial, they are now trying to pay for legal fees through a GoFundMe campaign.
Kerri Melissa Rollo, 23, and Kaylee Heather Rollo, 22, were arrested for allegedly vandalizing a memorial set up at the Benton County Courthouse to honor the conservative youth activist, 31, who was shot dead on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University.
Read more from Graig Graziosi:
Sisters accused of vandalizing Charlie Kirk memorial launch GoFundMe after job loss
Watch: White House defends Trump saying he hates his opponents
22:30 , Ariana BaioTurning Point USA will continue campus tour with 'The Turning Point Tour'
23:00 , Ariana BaioTurning Point USA, the nonprofit founded by Charlie Kirk, will continue to embark on its tour of college campuses, the organization announced on Monday.
Now called “The Turning Point Tour,” guest hosts will embark on the visit to campuses across the country to speak about Kirk, his ideology, and promote conservative values.
Guests will include Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Senator Mike Lee, Vivek Ramaswamy, Governor Glenn Youngkin, Savannah Chrisley, and more.
Watch: White House says Trump wouldn't be opposed to national holiday for Charlie Kirk
00:00 , Ariana BaioTrump signs executive order designating Antifa as an 'domestic terrorist organization'
00:15 , Rachel DobkinPresident Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday designating Antifa as a “domestic terrorist organization.”
🚨 NEW: President Donald J. Trump just signed an order officially designating Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 22, 2025
Here is the text of the order:
Section 1. Antifa as a Terrorist Threat. Antifa is amilitarist, anarchist enterprise that explicitly calls for the…
Antifa is a left-wing anti-fascist political movement.
“While some extreme actors who claim to be affiliated with antifa do engage in violence or vandalism at rallies and events, this is not the norm,” according to the Anti-Defamation League.
Turning Point event sold out tonight
00:30 , Rachel DobkinAfter the assassination of conservative youth activist Charlie Kirk, others have stepped up to try to fill his shoes during his political organization’s fall campus tour.
Tonight, Turning Point USA is hosting an event at the University of Minnesota. The free event is sold out, according to The Minnesota Star Tribune.
The event features conservative commentator Michael Knowles and a live question-and-answer session.
Sinclair will continue not to air Jimmy Kimmel's show
00:35 , Rachel DobkinSinclair Broadcast Group has announced it will continue not to air Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show on its ABC affiliate stations.
Last week, ABC suspended Kimmel’s show following comments he made in the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Sinclair, along with Nexstar Media Group, also announced last week that it would no longer air Kimmel’s show on its ABC affiliate stations.
On Monday, Disney, ABC’s parent company, said the show would return Tuesday. But Sinclair would not follow suit.
“Beginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming. Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show’s potential return,” Sinclair wrote on X Monday night.
Beginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming. Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show’s potential return. pic.twitter.com/beGC6VID2x
— Sinclair, Inc. (@WeAreSinclair) September 22, 2025
Watch: Fox News host says it's 'okay' for Trump to hate his enemies
00:45 , Rachel DobkinFox News’ Jesse Watters said Monday it’s “okay” for President Donald Trump to hate his enemies.
Watters: Donald Trump is just like the rest of us, though… he doesn't want to forgive. He actually does hate the people that hate him and that's okay. He's not perfect. He’s not going to pretend to be a fake Christian. pic.twitter.com/AUCdqoWBnd
— Acyn (@Acyn) September 22, 2025
At slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s funeral Sunday, Trump said, “I hate my opponent and I don’t want the best for them.”
His comments came after Kirk’s widow, Erika, said she forgave her husband’s suspected assassin, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.
“I forgive him because it is what Christ did,” Erika said. “The answer to hate is not hate.”
Jimmy Kimmel to return to air Tuesday after outcry over suspension due to Charlie Kirk comments
01:00 , Caitlin HornikJimmy Kimmel’s late-night show will return to ABC Tuesday evening following the host’s comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Read more here:
Jimmy Kimmel to return to ABC Tuesday after suspension over Charlie Kirk comments
Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, and others sign letter protesting Kimmel’s suspension
01:15 , Ariana BaioMore than 400 people in the entertainment industry, including big-name actors such as Meryl Streep, Selena Gomez, and Tom Hanks, signed an ACLU letter protesting ABC’s decision to indefinitely suspend Jimmy Kimmel after his comment about Charlie Kirk’s suspected assassin.
The letter condemned the government for threatening “a private company with retaliation… In an attempt to silence its critics, our government has resorted to threatening the livelihoods of journalists, talk show hosts, artists, creatives, and entertainers across the board.”
Other notable celebrities who have signed it include Cyndi Lauper, Natalie Portman, Michael Keaton, Pedro Pascal, and more.
ABC chose to reinstate Kimmel’s show beginning Tuesday.
Democrats celebrate return of Jimmy Kimmel's show
01:30 , Rachel DobkinDemocrats have celebrated the anticipated return of Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show.
“This is big: Jimmy Kimmel is coming back! This is about fighting for free speech and against these abuses by Donald Trump and Brendan Carr,” House Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said about the president and FCC chairman.
This is big: Jimmy Kimmel is coming back!
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) September 22, 2025
This is about fighting for free speech and against these abuses by Donald Trump and Brendan Carr.
Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, wrote: “For everyone who spoke up and said Trump's censorship of Kimmel is wrong, your voice mattered. This fight isn't over.
“Trump won't stop corruptly pressuring media companies. CEOs must not bend the knee to secure mergers and regulatory favors. The First Amendment is not for sale.”
For everyone who spoke up and said Trump's censorship of Kimmel is wrong, your voice mattered.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 22, 2025
This fight isn't over. Trump won't stop corruptly pressuring media companies. CEOs must not bend the knee to secure mergers and regulatory favors.
The First Amendment is not for sale.
Senator Alex Padilla, a California Democrat, wrote: “Free speech will not be silenced by Trump’s FCC. Another reminder of the power of public pressure and organizing. Our democracy depends on all of us refusing to back down.”
Free speech will not be silenced by Trump’s FCC.
— Alex Padilla (@AlexPadilla4CA) September 22, 2025
Another reminder of the power of public pressure and organizing.
Our democracy depends on all of us refusing to back down.https://t.co/tKYmiYpfAp
Minneosta Governor Tim Walz wrote: “Democracy is a team effort. Let’s keep standing up, speaking out, and fighting for what’s right.”
Democracy is a team effort. Let’s keep standing up, speaking out, and fighting for what’s right. https://t.co/qjkDU7I8Os
— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) September 22, 2025
Last week, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr put pressure on broadcasters to “take action” against Kimmel after he made comments about Charlie Kirk’s suspected assassin. Shortly after, ABC suspended Kimmel’s show indefinitely.
President Donald Trump, who has made his contempt for Kimmel known in the past, celebrated ABC’s decision.
On Monday, Disney, the parent company of ABC, announced Kimmel would return Tuesday night after “thoughtful conversations” with the comedian.
Starbucks employee fired after writing striking message on Charlie Kirk order
02:00 , Rachel DobkinA Starbucks employee was fired after writing a striking message on the cup of a customer who ordered a Charlie Kirk favorite.
Autumn Perkins from Middletown, Ohio, had ordered a Mint Majesty tea with two honeys at a Starbucks cafe inside a Kroger supermarket.
Kirk, the conservative youth activist fatally shot on September 10, had said in a July Instagram post a Mint Majesty with two honeys was his go-to drink “because I lose my voice very easily,” per the Pensacola News Journal.
When Perkins got her order, she saw an employee had written “racist’s fav drink,” according to a Fox News Digital report.
"It's time for people to stop this nonsense,” Perkins told the outlet. "I feel like Charlie stood for respect — we don't have to agree on everything. We can disagree on a lot of things, but we respect each other.”
The employee was subsequently fired.
“Writing this on a cup is unacceptable, and we have clear policies that prohibit negative messages to help preserve a welcoming environment,” Starbucks told Fox News Digital. “This Starbucks location is licensed and operated by Kroger. We understand that this associate was terminated by Kroger.”
NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani says WABC town hall back on
02:06 , Rachel DobkinZohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City’s mayoral race, has said his WABC town hall is back on after Disney brought back Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show.
“Last week, Disney/ABC caved to Trump administration pressure. Millions of Americans helped them find their backbone,” Mamdani wrote on X Monday evening. “Whether you watch Jimmy Kimmel or not, today's decision is a victory for free speech. We've reached out to WABC to reschedule the town hall.”
Last week, Disney/ABC caved to Trump administration pressure. Millions of Americans helped them find their backbone.
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) September 22, 2025
Whether you watch Jimmy Kimmel or not, today's decision is a victory for free speech.
We've reached out to WABC to reschedule the town hall. https://t.co/UCyHGvvTx5
Earlier Monday, Mamdani said he was backing out of a town hall New York City-based WABC planned for this week after ABC suspended Kimmel’s show following comments the comedian made in the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
Then, Disney, ABC’s parent company, announced Kimmel’s show would return on Tuesday.
Watch: Fox host predicts what Jimmy Kimmel will say when he's back on air
02:15 , Rachel DobkinFox host Jesse Watters has predicted late night comedian Jimmy Kimmel will “read something that the lawyers wrote for him and act trite for a second” when he's back on air.
Watters: He will probably read something that the lawyers wrote for him and act trite for a second. Some of us have been there pic.twitter.com/XogoEOX9sR
— Acyn (@Acyn) September 22, 2025
Kimmel’s show was suspended last week following comments he made in the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Disney, ABC’s parent company, subsequently announced Kimmel’s show will return Tuesday.
Mitch McConnell agrees with Ted Cruz about Jimmy Kimmel drama
02:30 , Rachel DobkinSenator Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, has agreed with Ted Cruz about the drama surrounding the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show.
Last week, ABC suspended Kimmel’s show indefinitely after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr pressured broadcasters to “take action” against the comedian following comments he made in the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
Senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, criticized Carr’s comments. The FCC chair had warned: “We can do this the easy way or the hard way.”
"That's right out of 'Goodfellas.' That's right out a mafioso coming into a bar going, 'Nice bar you have here. It’d be a shame if something happened to it,’” Cruz said on his podcast last week.
On Monday, McConnell said, “Well, my colleague, Ted Cruz, said it looked just like Goodfellas. As a First Amendment guy, myself, I think he’s probably got it right. You don’t have to like what somebody says on TV to agree that the government shouldn’t be getting involved here.”
Well, my colleague, Ted Cruz, said it looked just like Goodfellas. As a First Amendment guy, myself, I think he’s probably got it right. You don’t have to like what somebody says on TV to agree that the government shouldn’t be getting involved here. https://t.co/FDmjyLT8ww
— U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (@SenMcConnell) September 22, 2025
On Monday, Disney, the parent company of ABC, announced Kimmel’s show would return Tuesday night after “thoughtful conversations” with the comedian.
