Brendan Carr, the Trump-appointed chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has denied speculation that the agency is compelling ABC to apply early for renewal of licenses for its eight owned-and-operated local television stations as punishment for a joke made by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel last Thursday. Kimmel joked that Melania Trump had a "glow like an expectant widow," prompting the president and first lady to call for his dismissal.
Carr Cites DEI Investigation
Carr instead claimed the license renewal order stems from an investigation opened in March 2025 into Disney and ABC's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. He stated, "This was a decision we made inside this building based on where we were in the enforcement matter. There was no pressure from the outside." He added that the order followed a large production of documents from Disney, which he deemed "not forthcoming."
Backlash from Industry and Politicians
The decision drew criticism from the National Association of Broadcasters, whose CEO called it "nearly unprecedented." Republican Senator Ted Cruz said the FCC should not act as "the speech police," and press freedom organizations condemned it as editorial punishment. Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez dismissed Carr's explanation as "clearly a pretext," accusing the administration of harassment and retaliation to bend Disney to its will.
Broader Implications
Comcast and NBCUniversal are also under FCC investigation for DEI practices since February 2025. Carr stated that NBC's license status depends on investigation outcomes. Gomez warned that the renewal process could take years, but the order sets a dangerous precedent, chilling other broadcasters. She said, "It's unlawful, unprecedented, and doomed to fail, which is why people need to push back."
