FCC may review ABC license following Kimmel sketch suggesting Melania Trump an 'expectant widow'

Networks like ABC, which Disney owns, must get licenses from the FCC to broadcast over publicly owned airwaves.

Published: April 28, 2026 1:41pm

The Federal Communications Commission is reportedly pursuing an early review of Disney's broadcast license, which owns ABC. 

The company is facing scrutiny from the Trump administration over a sketch on the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" show that aired last week. The sketch was a parody of the White House Correspondents' Dinner, and Kimmel referred to Melania Trump as an "expectant widow." Following the shooting on Saturday, the first lady demanded Kimmel be fired for what she said was a call for violence.'

Kimmel claims it was a joke about President Donald Trump's age. Trump is 23 years older than his wife. 

Semafor reported, citing unnamed sources, that the FCC may choose not to trigger the early license review process, but FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has threatened Disney licenses before. Earlier this month, Carr threatened ABC's broadcast license over Disney's DEI practices, The Hill reported

Networks like ABC, which Disney owns, must get licenses from the FCC to broadcast over publicly owned airwaves. 

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