Trump Pressures FCC to Revoke Disney's Broadcast Licenses Over Kimmel Feud

In the latest escalation of President Donald Trump’s feud with late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering an early review of Disney’s broadcast licenses, according to sources familiar with the matter who spoke with Semafor.

Trump’s public criticism of Kimmel reignited after the host joked at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner that Melania Trump would “glow like an expectant widow.” Days later, a suspected gunman attempted to attack the event, prompting conservative figures to blame late-night TV for allegedly inspiring the attack.

The shooter’s manifesto cited grievances unrelated to Kimmel’s joke, including Trump’s policies on Christianity, Ukraine funding cuts, and accusations against President Joe Biden. However, Melania Trump, the president, and White House staff members publicly attacked Kimmel in the days following the incident.

Sources told Semafor that the FCC review is not finalized and could still be abandoned. Earlier this month, FCC Chair Brandon Carr suggested Disney’s license could be at risk due to an investigation into the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

“If the evidence does in fact play out and shows that they were engaged in race- and gender-based discrimination, that’s a very serious issue at the FCC, that could fundamentally go to their character qualifications to even hold a license.”

Carr made the remarks on Fox News, emphasizing potential consequences for Disney’s licensing.

Disney and ABC have previously defied Trump’s demands by reinstating Kimmel after a temporary suspension for criticizing conservative responses to Charlie Kirk’s death. At the time, Carr also threatened Disney’s licenses, warning on a far-right podcast that failure to “take action on Kimmel” could lead to suspension of broadcast licenses.