Donald Trump Threatens ABC With Potential Federal Communications Commission (FCC) License Review after bringing Back Jimmy Kimmel’s Show, Claims His Show Airs ‘Fake News and Discriminating Information’ That Could Put Country’s Broadcast Standing and Peace at Risk

Trump Threatens ABC With License Review Over Jimmy Kimmel’s “Fake News and Discriminating Information”

President Donald Trump has escalated his feud with ABC, warning that the network’s broadcasting licenses could be reviewed or challenged if it continues airing Jimmy Kimmel Live!—a late-night program he accuses of spreading “fake news” and “discriminating information.”

Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Wednesday, Trump directly targeted both the network and its longtime host, Jimmy Kimmel, claiming the comedian’s jokes and political commentary cross the line from entertainment into “deliberate misinformation designed to smear conservatives.”

“ABC has turned into nothing more than a propaganda machine. Jimmy Kimmel isn’t doing comedy anymore, he’s doing politics—and very bad, very dishonest politics. Fake news, discriminatory information, pure lies,” Trump declared. “If a network is going to use its platform to deceive the American people, their license should absolutely be reviewed.”

The President’s remarks come amid heightened tensions between the administration and major media outlets. Trump, who has frequently labeled networks like ABC, CNN, and NBC as “the enemy of the people,” has previously hinted at regulatory actions, but his latest comments mark one of the most direct threats yet to a broadcaster’s legal standing.

Broadcast licenses, overseen by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), are typically renewed every eight years. While political pressure from the White House has historically raised questions about media independence, Trump suggested he would encourage federal regulators to take a closer look at ABC if Kimmel’s program continues in its current format.

ABC has not yet issued an official response, though insiders at the network suggest executives are bracing for a drawn-out clash with the administration. Several media watchdogs quickly condemned Trump’s remarks, warning that the President’s threats pose a dangerous precedent for free speech and press freedoms.

Jimmy Kimmel, known for his outspoken monologues on issues ranging from gun control to Trump’s legal battles, has long been a thorn in the President’s side. Critics of Trump argue that the late-night host is being unfairly targeted simply for exercising his First Amendment rights through satire and commentary.

Still, Trump doubled down, accusing Kimmel of engaging in “political campaigning on behalf of Democrats” under the guise of comedy.

“They call it entertainment, I call it election interference. ABC should be ashamed of itself,” Trump said.

The confrontation is the latest chapter in the President’s ongoing war with mainstream media, a battle that shows no sign of slowing as Trump leans further into his re-election campaign. Whether his threats translate into regulatory action remains unclear, but the warning shot has reignited debates about the limits of presidential power and the role of satire in political discourse.