Grab the Popcorn: Trump Pressure Builds As FCC Orders Early Review of ABC Licenses After Kimmel Blowup
The FCC has ordered eight Disney-owned ABC stations to undergo early license renewal reviews, years ahead of schedule, citing an ongoing investigation into potential violations of the Communications Act, including unlawful discrimination. The move follows backlash over Jimmy Kimmel's on-air comment about Melania Trump and ABC's refusal to discipline him. While the FCC did not mention Kimmel by name, the timing suggests political pressure may be influencing regulatory action. Disney says it will comply but fight the review through legal channels.
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Grab the Popcorn: Trump Pressure Builds As FCC Orders Early Review of ABC Licenses After Kimmel Blowup By Ben Smith | 7:15 PM on April 28, 2026 The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of RedState.com. AP Photo/Evan Vucci Jimmy Kimmel called Melania Trump an "expectant widow." Days later, a gunman opened fire outside the White House Correspondents' Dinner, targeting Trump administration officials. The "joke" did not age well. Advertisement googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.display("div-gpt-300x250_2"); //googletag.pubads().refresh([gptAdSlot["div-gpt-300x250_2"]]) }); President Trump and the First Lady called on ABC to act.
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