Trump admin fights ABC lawsuit as watchdogs worry Disney will settle with FCC

Disney v. FCC

FCC tells court it is “open-minded” about whether ABC should lose licenses.

A Disney store on August 27, 2026 in London, England. Credit: Getty Images | Mike Kemp

The Federal Communications Commission yesterday urged a court to dismiss a Disney lawsuit and let the FCC continue a proceeding that could end in the nonrenewal of ABC’s broadcast licenses.

Meanwhile, two watchdog groups and individual viewers of ABC stations are trying to intervene in the lawsuit, saying they are worried Disney will agree to a settlement with the FCC that isn’t in the public’s interest. Disney opposed the motion, and a judge will have to decide whether the groups and individuals can act as intervenors in the case.

Disney sued the FCCon August 18, saying the agency is waging a “campaign of censorship” to retaliate against ABC for speech that President Trump doesn’t like. As the lawsuit...

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