Rep. Dan Crenshaw
Accuses Kimmel of ‘Gaslighting’ …
Fails to Recognize First Amendment Rights
Published September 24, 2025 2:21 PM PDT
TMZ.com
Jimmy Kimmel
made a noteworthy return to television, offering a vigorous defense of the First Amendment and a heartfelt tribute to the late Charlie Kirk‘s widow. However, Congressman Dan Crenshaw found Kimmel’s monologue to be less than well-received, likening it to an uncomfortable situation akin to “a fart in church.”
During his Wednesday appearance on “TMZ Live,” Crenshaw vehemently condemned Kimmel’s remarks, branding them as insincere and categorizing them as “a new brand of gaslighting.”
Crenshaw suggested that Kimmel’s statements were more about maintaining his public image following ABC’s suspension of him, rather than genuinely apologizing to those who perceived his comments as disrespectful to Kirk’s legacy and his conservative supporters.
ABC
In a poignant moment, Kimmel spotlighted Erika Kirk‘s act of forgiveness towards her husband’s killer, which he tearfully commended as a “selfless act of grace” emblematic of Christianity. Crenshaw, however, dismissed this emotional display as mere “crocodile tears.”
The discussion also turned towards the First Amendment implications of Kimmel’s suspension, with Crenshaw being queried on whether he believed that ABC was yielding to pressure from the FCC.
The Benny Show
Recall that FCC Chairman Brendan Carr infamously declared, during a televised interview, “We can do this the hard way or the easy way,” alluding to the FCC’s capacity to revoke broadcast licenses from local affiliates housing ABC’s programming.
Crenshaw acknowledged his uncertainty regarding Carr’s specific threats but asserted that he is inclined to trust Disney’s explanation that the suspension was aimed at “avoiding further inflaming a tense situation.”
While Kimmel’s supporters have lauded the tone and content of his first show back, Crenshaw remains skeptical, predicting Kimmel may soon face another exit from the spotlight. Furthermore, President Trump has issued his own critiques, maintaining that he is far from finished attacking ABC for permitting Kimmel’s return.
