Disney & ABC sue FCC to block Trump‑driven early licence renewal
Disney and ABC have filed a lawsuit to stop the Federal Communications Commission from launching an early licence renewal process, arguing that the network is being unfairly targeted over its editorial content.
“Government censorship is deeply un-American,” the lawsuit says. “This case concerns the Administration’s sustained effort to do just that.”
The suit claims the FCC was pressured to renew broadcast licences years early, citing complaints from President Donald Trump.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the renewal requests were focused on “public interest” and not retaliation. “If broadcasters don’t like that, that’s okay,” he told CNBC in July.
Despite the chairman’s statements, Disney argues the order is unprecedented, as the commission has not called for early renewal of the same group of stations in over 50 years.
The lawsuit cites Trump’s own social media posts in which he complained that ABC coverage was “almost 100 % negative” and suggested the licences should be terminated, a stance the president himself endorsed.
The FCC gave ABC and Disney 30 days to file applications—normally a process that takes months to prepare. Disney claims this rush endangers the network’s compliance with public‑service obligations.
ABC and Disney have requested a rapid court hearing and a temporary restraining order. The case underscores the mounting tension between the Trump administration and major media outlets.
