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US regulator to review Disney broadcast licences after Jimmy Kimmel joke about Melania Trump
The FCC orders an early review of Disney's ABC TV station licences amid political pressure following Jimmy Kimmel's Melania Trump joke and a related security incident. The move comes as Trump publicly urged ABC to fire Kimmel and amid a large gala shooting near the White House.
Why It Matters
The action signals a rare FCC public-interest review potentially affecting license renewals, illustrating how political controversy can intersect with regulatory oversight.
Timeline
10 Events
Suspect Cole Tomas Allen charged with attempting to assassinate the president
April 28, 2026
The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, is now charged with attempting to assassinate the president, following the WHCD incident.
FCC notes potential licence revocation risk
April 28, 2026
The agency noted that the renewal reviews could lead to revocation of the stations' licences, an action not taken in more than 40 years according to Reuters.
Steven Cheung comments on Kimmel and the White House pressure
April 28, 2026
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said Kimmel should be 'shunned for the rest of his life'.
Gomez calls the FCC order a political stunt
April 28, 2026
Democratic FCC commissioner Anna M Gomez described the order as a political stunt in a statement on X.
FCC orders early review of Disney licences
April 28, 2026
The FCC issued an order directing Disney to file licence-renewal applications for all ABC television stations within 30 days, beginning an early renewal review that could test the stations' compliance with public-interest standards.
Kimmel defends his Melania joke (Monday night)
April 27, 2026
At the start of his show on Monday night, Kimmel defended his comments about Melania Trump, saying the remarks were a light roast and not a call to violence.
Washington Hilton WHCD gala shooting near the Trumps
April 25, 2026
A gunman opened fire near a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton during a gala attended by the Trumps. The president and Melania Trump were evacuated unharmed; the suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, was tackled near a staircase leading to the ballroom.
Trump calls for firing Kimmel
April 2026
Trump called for firing Kimmel and urged ABC to pull Kimmel's show.
Kimmel taken off air after Charlie Kirk remarks (Sept 2025)
September 2025
Kimmel was taken off air in September 2025 after making comments about the fatal shooting of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.
FCC diversity/inclusion investigation letter to Disney (2025)
2025
In 2025, FCC chairman Brendan Carr sent a letter to Disney notifying the firm it was opening an investigation into Disney's diversity and inclusion practices.