Jimmy Kimmel 's return to TV -- which included a staunch defense of the First Amendment and an emotional salute to Charlie Kirk 's widow -- went over like a fart in church with Congressman Dan Crenshaw .

The U.S. Representative from Texas joined us Wednesday on "TMZ Live," and blasted Kimmel's monologue as not just disingenuous ... but, a "new brand of gaslighting."

Crenshaw thinks the late night host was only saying what he needed to say to save face after ABC suspended him , and wasn't actually apologizing to people who felt he'd insulted Kirk's memory and his conservative followers. Play video content

As for Jimmy highlighting Erika Kirk 's forgiveness of her husband's killer ... a move he tearfully called a "selfless act of grace" and a true reflection of Christia

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