Walt Disney’s ABC Television Network filed a federal lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission on Monday, accusing the regulator of unlawfully targeting its broadcast licenses in retaliation for on-air criticism of the Trump administration.
The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, claims the FCC’s actions—including an investigation into Disney’s diversity, equity and inclusion programs and an early review of ABC’s eight local broadcast licenses—violate federal law and the First Amendment. ABC contends the FCC’s DEI probe and accelerated license renewal process were initiated after shows such as The View and Jimmy Kimmel Live aired commentary critical of the administration.
The conflict traces back to last year, when FCC Chairman Brendan Carr launched an inquiry into Disney’s DEI initiatives to assess compliance with anti-discrimination rules. ABC executives maintained the probe was politically motivated, tied to content aired on its networks rather than any substantive violation. The tension escalated in April, when the FCC announced it would fast-track the renewal of ABC’s eight local broadcast licenses, a move ABC argues was unprecedented and designed to pressure the network.
The lawsuit asserts that the FCC’s actions constitute an illegal attempt to suppress protected speech and retaliate against ABC for its editorial stance. The FCC has not yet responded to the legal challenge in court. A spokesperson for the regulator declined to comment on pending litigation.
Disney’s legal filing seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, including a court order preventing the FCC from using the DEI investigation or license review process to impose penalties or deny renewals. The case raises broader questions about the intersection of media regulation, political speech, and the FCC’s enforcement discretion.
