Trump–ABC Fight Intensifies as FCC Opens Inquiry Into Affiliate Relationships

Overview

• At an Oval Office press conference, Trump cut off ABC’s Mary Bruce, called her a “terrible reporter,” labeled ABC a “crappy company,” and said its broadcast license should be taken away.
• The White House later posted an official critique accusing ABC of “peddling lies” and describing the network as a “Democrat spin operation,” citing prior disputes including Disney’s $16 million Stephanopoulos settlement.
• FCC Chair Brendan Carr announced an investigation into how broadcast networks and their independently owned affiliates operate, marking regulatory scrutiny that could affect ABC’s reach.
• Following a critical monologue about Trump’s meeting with Mohammed bin Salman, Trump urged ABC affiliate owners to drop Jimmy Kimmel’s show or boycott it.
• ABC and The Walt Disney Company have not publicly responded to the latest threats, and ABC remains on the air with no license action taken.