FCC Reviews ABC Licenses Amid Trump-Kimmel Dispute

On April 29, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced an accelerated review of eight local broadcasting licenses held by ABC. This decision follows an investigation into whether Disney's diversity, equity, and inclusion policies constitute unlawful discrimination. The move came shortly after President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump publicly demanded ABC fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel over a joke he made about the First Lady. Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez criticized the action, stating, 'This is an unprecedented and politically motivated attempt to interfere with how broadcasters operate, and this unlawful overreach will fail.' The situation has sparked a broader debate about the independence of media organizations and the potential influence of political figures on broadcasting operations.