Disney Sues Trump Administration, FCC Over Alleged Retaliatory Investigation Into ABC

The Walt Disney Company has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging retaliatory actions against ABC television that violate its First Amendment rights.
The lawsuit was filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The Mouse House argues that the Federal Communications Commission under the Trump administration is investigating ABC's talk show "The View" and using it as a pretext to challenge ABC's broadcast licenses as retaliation for content it disapproves of, according to CNN.
The administration has "waged a retaliatory campaign against ABC for one reason: it disapproves of the content ABC airs," the lawsuit filed in the D.C. District Court alleges.
The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to block the FCC's license challenge. Disney's legal action describes the FCC's conduct as "an extraordinary assault on free speech."
Disney claims it has been forced to alter its programming due to FCC pressure. The company says "The View" has become more cautious in booking political candidates and has stopped considering several potential guests. The lawsuit also states that ABC has avoided airing certain video clips for fear of further FCC scrutiny.
The FCC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
## FCC Review Puts ABC Licenses at Risk
The FCC's investigation into "The View" began in February over alleged equal-time violations, following an appearance by Democratic Texas state Senate candidate James Talarico. Federal law generally requires broadcasters that provide airtime to one political candidate to offer comparable opportunities to opposing candidates, unless an exemption applies.
The review escalated in April when the FCC ordered an early review of ABC's broadcast licenses, amid escalating disputes involving President Trump, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, and Disney.
Additionally, the FCC has been investigating Disney for over a year over allegations of unlawful diversity-related discrimination.
ABC has more than 200 affiliated stations nationwide, but Disney directly owns only eight, which are the target of the FCC's investigation. FCC licenses are typically renewed every eight years and are rarely revoked. Prior to this year, the agency had not sought early renewal in decades.
## Schiff, Sanders Defend Press Freedom
Senator Adam Schiff accused the Trump administration of launching a "blatant attack" on the free press, stating that its actions are forcing journalists and media companies to self-censor. He voiced support for ABC and Disney's legal action, arguing that "the damage to the First Amendment is already being done."
The Trump administration is responsible for the most blatant attack on press freedom in modern American history—retaliating against journalists and media outlets for exercising their First Amendment rights.
ABC and Disney have the right to fight back…
— Senator Adam Schiff, August 18, 2026
Earlier, Senator Bernie Sanders criticized the Trump administration's threats against ABC's broadcast licenses, warning that targeting media organizations threatens democratic values and press freedom.