The network has just launched the most intense legal challenge against the Trump administration’s efforts to control the media — accusing the FCC of making it harder for people to speak freely by focusing on content it doesn’t like. This filing was signed by Paul Clement, a top Supreme Court lawyer who worked under George W. Bush, and shows that Disney is finally standing up to the Trump administration’s push to control the media instead of giving in. This is a big change from the network, which paid $15 million to settle a defamation case with Trump in December 2024, something many legal experts thought was unnecessary.
The main issue is about “The View” and whether the FCC can take away a special exemption it has had since 2002.
But ABC’s filing makes it clear the real concern is that the FCC is targeting shows that criticize Trump, while not touching radio shows that support him — like those hosted by Glenn Beck, Mark Levin, and others.
ABC pointed this out directly.
The FCC has investigated talk shows that criticize the president but hasn’t done the same for shows that support him. They launched diversity, equity, and inclusion investigations into ABC stations. They even threatened Jimmy Kimmel’s show twice because Trump didn’t like some of his jokes. They started an early review of all eight ABC stations — something that hasn’t happened to a major network in decades.
ABC wrote, “Some people may not like certain viewpoints on ‘The View.’
That doesn’t mean they can use regulations to stop those views.” That’s what the First Amendment is all about.
Even Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) has warned about creating a dangerous precedent.
He said, “If the government can favor certain viewpoints in a Republican administration, there’s no reason it couldn’t do the same in a Democratic one.” ABC quoted him as saying this.
The FCC has made it easy for conservative activists to attack people who criticize Trump.
Now, ABC has hired a top Supreme Court lawyer to fight back. Let’s hope they win.
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