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FCC Pushes ABC License Review to 2026 After Trump Fire Demand

4/29/2026

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Trump Fires Kimmel

The Federal Communications Commission moved its ABC license review to May 28 2026 after President Donald Trump demanded network fire Jimmy Kimmel.
President Donald Trump ordered Jimmy Kimmel’s dismissal after joked about First Lady Melania Trump, prompting ABC affiliates to pull promos.
The commission said the accelerated review examines ABC’s diversity and inclusion policies.
Disney acknowledged the FCC order and pledged to defend ABC’s license qualifications.

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Kimmel Defends Joke

Jimmy Kimmel defended his “expectant widow” joke as a harmless roast, rejecting claims it incited violence.
First Lady Melania Trump called the joke corrosive and hateful, while White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt demanded network accountability.
An individual breached a Secret Service checkpoint at the Washington Hilton, striking an officer, detained.
Kimmel’s show was suspended September after claims about Charlie Kirk’s assassin, then issued a non-apology.

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Trump Fires Kimmel

The Federal Communications Commission moved its ABC license review to May 28 2026 after President Donald Trump demanded network fire Jimmy Kimmel.
President Donald Trump ordered Jimmy Kimmel’s dismissal after joked about First Lady Melania Trump, prompting ABC affiliates to pull promos.
The commission said the accelerated review examines ABC’s diversity and inclusion policies.
Disney acknowledged the FCC order and pledged to defend ABC’s license qualifications.

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