The Walt Disney Co. and ABC are suing the Federal Communications Commission, accusing the Trump administration of using broadcast licensing powers to retaliate against the company over its journalism and programming.
Disney filed the lawsuit Tuesday in federal court, seeking to halt an unusual FCC order requiring its eight ABC-owned television stations to begin license renewal proceedings years ahead of schedule. The stations, serving major markets including New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, would not ordinarily face renewal until at least 2028.
Disney calls the FCC action an “existential threat” and argues that the accelerated process is part of a broader campaign targeting ABC content the administration dislikes. The company points to the FCC’s investigation into The View, its scrutiny of Disney’s diversity, equity and inclusion practices, and public attacks by President Donald Trump on ABC programming.
The lawsuit also cites Trump’s criticism of late-night television and his suggestion that broadcast licenses for networks perceived as hostile to him could be terminated. Disney argues that the FCC’s actions amount to government retaliation that threatens free speech and editorial independence.
The conflict intensified in 2025, when ABC temporarily pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! after pressure from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr following Kimmel’s comments about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Disney has since maintained that its programming decisions should remain independent of government influence.
Disney and ABC are asking the court to immediately block the FCC from taking action against their stations related to the accelerated renewal applications. They have also requested a temporary restraining order and an expedited hearing.
The FCC rejects Disney’s characterization, saying broadcasters have a legal obligation to operate in the “public interest” and that its investigations into Disney concern potential violations of federal law. Carr has argued that broadcasters accepting access to the public airwaves must comply with those obligations.
Disney has separately defended The View as a legitimate news program, citing a 2002 FCC staff ruling. Carr has questioned whether that precedent still applies to the program in its current form.
New Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro said Friday that the company intends to stand by its journalistic principles and resist government efforts to dictate how ABC operates.
The lawsuit represents one of the most significant legal confrontations between a major media company and the Trump administration, putting broadcast regulation, government power and editorial independence directly before the courts.
