Kimmel-Trump clash continues as FCC launches early review of ABC's broadcast licenses 02:06
The Federal Communications Commission has directed Walt Disney Co. to file early license renewal applications for its ABC television stations, citing an ongoing investigation, a day after President Trump called on the company tofire comedian Jimmy Kimmel.
The FCC said in its order that it is investigating ABC stations for "possible violations" of the Communications Act of 1934 and the agency's prohibition on unlawful discrimination. An FCC official told CBS News that the order is related to the agency's investigation into Disney's diversity, equity and inclusion practices, which the official said has been ongoing since March 2025.
In a statement to CBS News, Disney said it has received the FCC's order for an accelerated review of its ABC-owned television stations.
"ABC and its stations have a long record of operating in full compliance with FCC rules and serving their local communities with trusted news, emergency information, and public‑interest programming," a Disney spokesperson said. "We are confident that the record demonstrates our continued qualifications as licensees under the Communications Act and the First Amendment and are prepared to show that through the appropriate legal channels."
The ABC licenses were originally scheduled for renewal between 2028 and 2031. The companyownseight TV stations, including WABC-TV in New York and KABC-TV in Los Angeles.
Trump calls for Kimmel firing
The FCC order comes after President Trump and Melania Trump urged ABC tofire Kimmelafter he made a joke during his April 23 show in which he described the first lady as having "the glow of an expectant widow." In the program, Kimmel pretended to deliver a comedy routine at the upcoming White House Correspondents' Dinner. His program aired two days before the event.
In the aftermath of the dinner, in which an alleged gunman shot aSecret Service agentat the Washington, D.C., ballroom where the Trumps had gathered, the first lady said that ABC should "take a stand" against Kimmel.
"Wow, Jimmy Kimmel, who is in no way funny as attested to by his terrible Television Ratings, made a statement on his Show that is really shocking," Mr. Trumpwrotein an April 27 post on social media. "I appreciate that so many people are incensed by Kimmel's despicable call to violence, and normally would not be responsive to anything that he said but, this is something far beyond the pale."
He added, "Jimmy Kimmel should be immediately fired by Disney and ABC."
Kimmel defended his joke during hisMonday night monologue, describing the routine as centering on the Trumps' 23-year age difference. The routine was "a very light roast joke about the fact that he's almost 80 and she's younger than I am. It was not by any stretch of the definition a call to assassination. And they know that," Kimmel said.
Trump, who turns 80 in June, is the oldest U.S. president to take office. His wife, a former model who was born in Slovenia, is 56.
Kimmel also defended his First Amendment rights, saying, "Donald Trump is allowed to say whatever he wants to say, as are you and as am I, as are all of us, because under the First Amendment, we have as Americans the right to free speech."
Festering feud
The issue marks the second clash between the FCC and Disney within the last year, with ABC preempting "Jimmy Kimmel Live" in September after criticism of comments Kimmel made on his late-night TV show followingthe shooting deathof conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
At the time, FCC Chairman Brendan Carrreferred toKimmel's comments as "some of the sickest conduct possible," and said there was a "path forward for suspension over this."
The FCC doesn't have the authority to cancel broadcasters' licenses "because of their perceived political views," Jameel Jaffer, executive director at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, said in an email to CBS News.
A horse is bathed after morning workouts during Dawn at the Downs on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
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St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities celebrates as they cross the finish line at the Kentucky Derby Festival's Great Bed Races held at Broadbent Arena Monday evening, April 27, 2026.
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Flowers in the Winner's Circle at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, a week before the running of the 152nd Kentucky Derby, on April 24, 2026.
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John King and his daughter, Ghauni, 4, watch as the first hot air balloons lift at the Kentucky Derby Festival's Great Balloon Glow Thursday night at Waterfront Park on April 23, 2026.
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Levi Shank, left, and Amanda Regier run in costume following the start of the 2026 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and mini Marathon on Saturday, April 25, 2026 in Louisville Kentucky.
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The Japanese team of Wonder Dean celebrated their horse's No. 10 post position after the 2026 Kentucky Derby Draw at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 25, 2026.
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2026 Kentucky Derby horse Fulleffort, trained by Brad Cox, was ridden by Edvin Vargas during a morning workout on April 23, 2026 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Fulleffort has seven career races with three wins, two second-place finishes and one third-place finish.
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2026 Kentucky Derby horse Silent Tactic during a morning workout on April 23, 2026 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Silent Tactic is trained by Mark Casse.
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The Shady Rays balloon lifts off as hot air balloons take flight at Bowman Field for the KDF Great BalloonFest Rush Hour Race in Louisville on April 24, 2026.
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People gathered around to see the Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses arrive at the main gap during morning training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 28, 2026.
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A horse is bathed after morning workouts during Dawn at the Downs on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, 2026, ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
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The trophy given to the winner of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 25.
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2026 Kentucky Derby trainer Todd Pletcher on the backside watching his horses work out at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on April 27, 2028. Pletcher has 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Renegade.
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2026 Kentucky Derby horse and favorite Renegade getting bathed after working at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, 2026. The horse is trained by Todd Pletcher.
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A crowd gathers on the backside at sunrise during Dawn at the Downs at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
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Veteran jockey and two-time Kentucky Derby winner Mike Smith, who will pilot 2026 Kentucky Derby hopeful So Happy, on April 24, 2026.
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A unicylcist waves to the crowd during the 2026 Pegasus Parade on Broadway Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
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A crowd gathers to watch as 2026 Kentucky Derby contender Six Speed walks in circles before the special training time for Derby and Oaks horses at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 24, 2026. The horse is trained by Bhupat Seamer.
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