Disney files court motion citing Trump's threats against reporters to block FCC early license review of ABC stations

Disney and ABC filed a motion in federal court on September 17, 2026, asking a judge to block the FCC from conducting early reviews of eight ABC-owned station licenses. The company argued that President Trump's ongoing threats against reporters and broadcast networks constitute grounds for an injunction, asserting that FCC Chair Brendan Carr is carrying out Trump's directives 'aimed at curbing speech critical of the administration.' Disney cited Trump's recent threats: on September 11, Trump said NBC's Kristen Welker was 'a disgrace' and should be 'fired immediately,' and on August 30, he called for ABC to fire Jimmy Kimmel, calling him 'a total loser.' The FCC ordered these early reviews in April — the first such action in more than 50 years — which Disney characterizes as retaliatory punishment for broadcast content the administration disapproves of.

“Acting through the Federal Communications Commission, the administration has waged a retaliatory campaign against ABC for a single reason: It disapproves of what ABC broadcasts.” Quote verified against source