Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel returned to ABC after a six-day suspension prompted by controversial remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Some major ABC affiliates, including Nexstar and Sinclair Broadcast Group, chose to continue preempting his show, highlighting tensions between national broadcasters and local stations. President Donald Trump publicly praised the suspension and threatened legal action against ABC, escalating the polarization around free speech and media responsibility. Kimmel, in an emotional monologue, defended his right to free expression and criticized the censorship by some affiliates, deepening national debates on political discourse and media accountability.