The Federal Communications Commission ordered eight Walt Disney Company and ABC television stations, originally scheduled for renewal between 2028 and 2031, to submit early license renewal applications in April 2026, its first such review in over 50 years.
The Walt Disney Company and ABC filed a lawsuit in August 2026 alleging that the Federal Communications Commission's early license review is unconstitutional retaliation for programming and coverage that President Donald Trump dislikes.
The Federal Communications Commission's early license review order was issued one day after President Donald Trump publicly demanded that Disney fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel over a joke about the president and first lady Melania Trump.
ABC attorney Beth Wilkinson tells the court the FCC review has had an immediate chilling effect
President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized ABC News, the talk show 'The View', and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, urging the Federal Communications Commission to strip ABC of its broadcast licenses.
President Donald Trump publicly threatened ABC's station licenses in July 2026 after ABC and NBC chose not to broadcast his prime-time address containing unverified election claims.
Federal judge hears the Justice Department argue that the district court lacks jurisdiction over the FCC early review of ABC licenses
Federal judge Loren AliKhan questions the government rationale for the early review of ABC station licenses
The Federal Communications Commission and the Justice Department stated that the early license review was initiated because The Walt Disney Company failed to adequately respond to an investigation into its diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
ABC altered its programming by publishing a Jimmy Kimmel interview with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico on YouTube rather than broadcasting it, and by halting political candidate invitations on 'The View' since February 2026.
The FCC's early license review of ABC stations is unconstitutional retaliation
U.S. district courts have jurisdiction to block FCC actions before a final agency decision
The FCC's use of license reviews to enforce compliance with DEI investigations goes too far