Late-night fallout: FCC reviews ABC's licences after Jimmy Kimmel's remark on Melania Trump

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is planning to review the broadcast licences of Disney-owned ABC stations after controversy around a late-night joke. The issue started after Jimmy Kimmel joked that Melania Trump looked like an “expectant widow” on his show, as reported by Variety. This joke triggered strong backlash from MAGA supporters and political circles.

The FCC, led by Trump appointee Brendan Carr, is now moving toward a formal review of Disney’s licences, according to Semafor. The review will target eight ABC stations owned by Walt Disney Company. However, the FCC is expected to officially say the review is about Disney’s DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) policies, not Kimmel’s joke, as reported by CNN.

Brendan Carr has earlier warned he could revoke licences of broadcasters over content he finds problematic. He had also raised concerns that Disney’s DEI programs could involve illegal discrimination and affect licence eligibility, as stated by Carr in a Fox News interview.

Kimmel joke controversy

The controversial joke was made on April 23 during a mock version of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, as per the report by Variety. After the joke, both Donald Trump and Melania Trump demanded that ABC and Disney fire Kimmel. Trump criticised Kimmel on Truth Social, calling his remarks shocking and inappropriate, as per Trump’s post. Melania Trump also said Kimmel’s comments were “hateful” and harmful to the country, as per her post on X.

Just two days later, on April 25, a real incident shocked the same event when a man tried to breach security at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, allegedly intended to assassinate Trump. This incident made the earlier joke even more controversial and sensitive.

Free speech vs FCC power

Kimmel later defended himself on his show, saying the joke was a “very light roast” and not a call to violence, as stated on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”. He also said he has always spoken against gun violence and rejected violent rhetoric. Kimmel added that reducing harmful language should start with political leaders too, indirectly pointing at Trump.

Critics say the FCC’s actions could violate the First Amendment. FCC Democratic commissioner Anna Gomez called the move “unprecedented” and “unlawful”. She also said companies should challenge it legally because free speech protections are strong.

This is not the first time Carr has targeted Kimmel or ABC, as reported by Variety. In September 2025, Carr threatened action against ABC over Kimmel’s comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. He warned broadcasters they could face “news distortion” investigations if they did not act against Kimmel.

FCC pressure, long legal fight

The FCC has also opened a case involving ABC’s show The View over possible violations of equal-time rules. This was linked to an appearance by political candidate James Talarico. Carr has repeatedly said he is not against free speech but wants to stop “fake news” and ensure broadcasters serve the public interest. He has also warned other broadcasters over coverage of US foreign policy, including the Iran war, as reported by Variety.

Even if the FCC takes action, any case about licence removal or “news distortion” would take months or years and likely go to court. Legal experts believe such cases would face strong challenges in court, especially on free speech grounds.

FAQs

Q1. Why is the FCC reviewing ABC licences?
The Federal Communications Commission is looking into ABC licences mainly over Disney’s policies, but it comes after controversy around Jimmy Kimmel’s joke, as reported.

Q2. What did Jimmy Kimmel say about Melania Trump?
Jimmy Kimmel made a joke calling Melania Trump an “expectant widow,” which led to backlash and political reactions.