ABC Sues FCC Over Alleged First-Amendment Retaliation

ABC Television filed a federal lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), claiming the agency’s recent actions violate the network’s First Amendment rights. The complaint alleges that the FCC, acting under direction from the Trump administration, launched a “retaliatory campaign” because ABC broadcasts content critical of President Donald Trump, specifically jokes by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. ABC seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to halt the FCC’s review of its broadcast licenses and to prevent future punitive measures.

Rolling Stone

President Trump has a documented pattern of filing lawsuits against media outlets he perceives as hostile. In April, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr ordered a review of ABC’s broadcasting licenses, citing the agency’s diversity policies. The timing followed a mock White House Correspondents’ Dinner staged by Kimmel, during which the host lampooned Trump. Trump responded on his Truth Social platform, calling for Kimmel’s removal and suggesting that ABC’s license “should be taken away.” The lawsuit notes that Carr previously threatened the network after Kimmel criticized the right-wing reaction to the September killing of activist Charlie Kirk.

Rolling Stone

The FCC, through Commissioner Carr, has framed the license review as a routine enforcement of diversity standards, denying any political motive. Carr’s public remarks warned that the agency could take “additional work” if ABC continued to broadcast content the administration finds objectionable. President Trump has repeatedly used his social-media accounts to denounce ABC’s coverage, labeling the network “not allowed” to “hit Trump” and asserting that the administration’s actions are a lawful response to perceived bias.

Rolling Stone

• “We can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to take action on Kimmel, or there is going to be additional work for the FCC ahead,” — Brendan Carr, FCC commissioner “We can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to take action on Kimmel, or there is going to be additional work for the FCC ahead,” — Brendan Carr, FCC commissioner

Rolling Stone

The lawsuit represents the latest legal clash between the Trump administration and a major broadcast network, centering on the balance between regulatory authority and First Amendment protections.

Rolling Stone