FCC orders review of ABC licenses after Jimmy Kimmel’s Melania Trump joke
The FCC, under Chair Brendan Carr, has ordered an accelerated review of eight local ABC broadcasting licenses following a joke by Jimmy Kimmel about Melania Trump, prompting accusations of political retaliation. The move comes after the White House criticized Kimmel's comment, with Trump calling for his firing. Critics, including FCC Democrat Anna M Gomez and free press advocates, argue the action undermines the First Amendment and represents improper government interference. ABC and Disney defended their compliance with FCC rules and pledged to respond through legal channels.
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Brendan Carr of the FCC speaks during the Concordia Annual Summit in New York on 22 September 2025. Photograph: Andrés Kudacki/APView image in fullscreenBrendan Carr of the FCC speaks during the Concordia Annual Summit in New York on 22 September 2025. Photograph: Andrés Kudacki/APTrump administrationFCC orders review of ABC licenses after Jimmy Kimmel’s Melania Trump jokeEight local broadcasting licenses under review after White House launched attack on late-night host over comment Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox Jeremy Barr in WashingtonTue 28 Apr 2026 15.07 EDTLast modified on Tue 28 Apr 2026 15.31 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe US’s top media watchdog announced on Tuesday that it is accelerating the review of eight local…
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