The Federal Communications Commission has ordered early license renewals for the Disney-owned ABC stations, following late-night host Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial ‘expectant widow’ comment about Melania Trump. The move comes a day after President Trump demanded ABC fire Kimmel over the same incident.

Disney was due to renew its licenses in 2028 but now has until May 28th to file renewals for all eight of its major market stations, including Los Angeles and New York. While it is extremely difficult for the government to revoke broadcast rights, this action signals a new level of scrutiny from the FCC.

The decision comes amid ongoing investigations into Disney’s DEI practices by FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who has previously threatened stations airing content that doesn’t align with his political views. Commissioner Anna Gomez, the only Democrat on the commission, called it an 'unprecedented and politically motivated attempt' to interfere with broadcasters.

Carr's actions have been criticized for potentially interfering with free speech, using the FCC’s News Distortion Policy as a basis. Former FCC staffers have asked a federal appeals court to repeal this rule, citing its use as an 'abuse of regulatory power.'