In an unusual reversal of typical litigation patterns, ABC has filed suit against the Federal Communications Commission, claiming the agency has violated the network’s First Amendment protections. The lawsuit stems from regulatory actions taken against the broadcaster amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
The dispute originated when FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr ordered a review of ABC’s broadcasting licenses in April, a decision the agency attributed to diversity policy concerns. However, the timing raised eyebrows, coming just one day after Kimmel performed at a mock White House Correspondents’ Dinner featuring jokes about the president. ABC’s legal filing contends that the administration orchestrated a retaliatory campaign specifically targeting the network’s content, citing multiple instances of Trump’s public criticism on social media and threats to revoke the station’s licenses.
According to the complaint, Carr himself has made threatening statements toward ABC, including remarks suggesting the network take action against Kimmel or face additional FCC scrutiny. The suit references a pattern of pressure spanning years, demonstrating what ABC characterizes as a coordinated effort to punish the broadcaster for its editorial choices. This case represents a notable shift, as the Trump administration has historically been the party filing media-related lawsuits rather than defending against them.
Originally reported by Rollingstone →
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