Story perspectives

Trump Calls for Kimmel’s Firing; FCC Scrutinizes ABC Licenses

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump demanded Jimmy Kimmel’s firing over his White House Correspondents’ Dinner joke, prompting the Federal Communications Commission to open a review of ABC’s broadcast licenses.
Disney will contest the FCC action on First Amendment grounds.
Legal analysts say any revocation would trigger prolonged court battles.
Industry backlash caused two ABC-affiliated station owners to refuse Kimmel’s show, leading to its return within a week.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump demanded Jimmy Kimmel’s firing over his White House Correspondents’ Dinner joke, prompting the Federal Communications Commission to open a review of ABC’s broadcast licenses.
Disney will contest the FCC action on First Amendment grounds.
Legal analysts say any revocation would trigger prolonged court battles.
Industry backlash caused two ABC-affiliated station owners to refuse Kimmel’s show, leading to its return within a week.