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Trump Presses ABC to Fire Kimmel; FCC Reviews Disney Licenses

5/5/2026

47 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump has repeatedly demanded that ABC fire Jimmy Kimmel over a joke about First Lady Melania Trump.
First Lady Melania Trump called the comment hateful and violent rhetoric and urged ABC to act.
The Federal Communications Commission began an early review of Disney’s local TV licenses, citing corporate diversity policies and denying White House pressure.

History

Historical Context

The 1996 Telecommunications Act, signed by President Bill Clinton on February 8, replaced the 1934 Communications Act that created the FCC and relaxed cross-ownership limits, spurring consolidation that cut major media firms from about 50 in 1983 to six by 2005. President Donald Trump’s demand that ABC fire Jimmy Kimmel and the FCC’s early review of Disney’s licenses reflect the Act’s lasting political influence on broadcast oversight.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump has repeatedly demanded that ABC fire Jimmy Kimmel over a joke about First Lady Melania Trump.
First Lady Melania Trump called the comment hateful and violent rhetoric and urged ABC to act.
The Federal Communications Commission began an early review of Disney’s local TV licenses, citing corporate diversity policies and denying White House pressure.

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