Disney Sues FCC, Citing Trump Posts as Evidence of Retaliation Against ABC

Disney and ABC sued the FCC on August 18, 2026, seeking to block early license renewals for eight stations. The lawsuit cites Trump's social media posts — including one stating ABC's licenses should be terminated — as evidence of retaliation. A federal court must now test whether the FCC can leverage licensing authority to penalize protected speech. FCC chairman Carr says the renewals concern "public interest."