Jimmy Kimmel insisted he never meant to make light of Charlie Kirk's murder as he returned to his ABC show following a five-day suspension.
In a monologue after Mr Kirk's death, Kimmel said: "many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalise on the murder of Charlie Kirk" and that "the MAGA gang" was "desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them".
After a standing ovation on his return, Mr Kimmel said: "It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.
"I don't think there's anything funny about it," he added.
He also praised the public outrage over his suspension.
Watch: Jimmy Kimmel returns to ABC TV network
"A government threat to silence a comedian the president doesn't like is anti-American," Mr Kimmel said.
President Donald Trump was critical of Mr Kimmel's return even before the programme had gone to air.
Mr Trump said on his Truth Social platform: "I can't believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back.
"The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his "talent" was never there.
"Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who's not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE."
His post continued: "He is yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution.
"I think we're going to test ABC out on this. Let's see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me 16 Million Dollars.
"This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings," he said.
"A government threat to silence a comedian the president doesn't like is anti-American," said Mr Kimmel.
Accreditation: PA and AFP.
