On 2026-09-17, Disney filed arguments that ongoing threats by President Trump against reporters and broadcast networks should prompt a U.S. court to block Federal Communications Commission action. Trump has repeatedly urged broadcasters to drop comedy and news programs he dislikes or that have criticized him.
The Federal Communications Commission asked a federal court on September 4, 2026 to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Disney and ABC challenging the agency's decision regarding several ABC local station licenses. The FCC's action on September 4 sought to throw out the case.
On 2026-08-19 to 2026-08-20, ABC accused President Donald Trump's FCC of using intimidation tactics to force the network to make programming changes. The allegation highlights concerns about government pressure on media independence.
On 19–21 August 2026, FCC chair Brendan Carr declared Disney's lawsuit against the agency 'without merit'. Disney and its subsidiary ABC had filed the lawsuit accusing the FCC of violating their First Amendment rights.
Disney and ABC sued the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over what they claim was a violation of their First Amendment rights. The lawsuit challenges an early license renewal process that the companies assert was triggered in response to content critical of the Trump administration, with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr defending the agency's actions in response.
On August 19, 2026, Disney-owned ABC filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission, alleging the agency's accelerated license renewal review constitutes retaliation for the broadcaster's editorial programming decisions.
Disney and ABC filed lawsuits against the Federal Communications Commission on August 18–19, 2026, alleging the agency is threatening their broadcast licenses in retaliation for editorial decisions and violating their free speech rights. The networks claim the FCC is waging a censorship campaign against them.
ABC filed suit against the Federal Communications Commission by August 19, 2026, arguing the agency is conducting a retaliatory campaign of censorship that violates the network's free speech rights. The lawsuit claims the FCC has waged escalating pressure against the broadcast network.