Disney Reacts as FCC Fast-Tracks ABC License Review Following Trump’s Demands to Dismiss Kimmel

Disney issued a statement on Tuesday in response to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) unexpected directive for an expedited review of licenses held by ABC-owned television stations. This regulatory action emerged shortly after President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump publicly called for the dismissal of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, following his controversial monologue last Friday.

The FCC's order requires Disney to submit early renewal applications for eight ABC-owned stations, including major outlets like WABC-TV in New York and KABC-TV in Los Angeles. This review was not anticipated until between 2028 and 2031, marking a significant and unusual intervention by the agency.

In its response, Disney confirmed receipt of the FCC's order, indicating readiness to engage through legal avenues. "We have received the Federal Communications Commission's order initiating an accelerated review of the licenses held by ABC's owned television stations," the company stated. They emphasized their commitment to compliance with FCC regulations and their role in serving local communities with reliable news and public-interest programming.

Disney further asserted, "Our record demonstrates our continued qualifications as licensees under the Communications Act and the First Amendment. We are prepared to show that through the appropriate legal channels. Our focus remains, as always, on serving viewers in the local communities where our stations operate."

This FCC action follows a rapid escalation in tensions between the White House and ABC regarding Kimmel's April 23 monologue, which included a joke about Melania Trump that she described as "hateful and violent rhetoric." The day after Kimmel's comments, a gunman was arrested near the venue of the White House Correspondents' Dinner, leading to its suspension.

Melania Trump urged ABC to terminate Kimmel, while Donald Trump echoed this sentiment on social media, labeling Kimmel's joke as "far beyond the pale." Kimmel defended his remarks as a "light roast" regarding the couple's age difference and dismissed claims that they incited violence.

This is not Kimmel's first confrontation with the Trump administration. In September 2025, he faced a temporary suspension from ABC after comments related to conservative activist Charlie Kirk sparked outrage among right-wing figures and regulatory pressure. The network briefly pulled "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" from airwaves following criticism from major affiliate groups and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, although Kimmel returned within a week after public backlash against the suspension.

The FCC's early license review is reportedly linked to an investigation into Disney's diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. An FCC official noted that this order is part of an ongoing examination of potential violations of the Communications Act and rules against unlawful discrimination.

However, critics argue that the timing suggests political retaliation. Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez and various free speech advocates have pointed out that no television broadcast license has been revoked in over forty years, despite FCC Chair Brendan Carr previously hinting at possible revocations under certain circumstances.