ABC vs Trump FCC: Network Accuses Administration of Selective Prosecution in Free Speech Case

# ABC vs Trump FCC: Network Accuses Administration of Selective Prosecution in Free Speech Case

> **Quick answer:** Disney's ABC filed a formal FCC complaint on May 7, 2026, accusing the Trump administration of selective prosecution — targeting "The View" for equal-time rule violations while ignoring conservative talk shows like Mark Levin and Glenn Beck that face the same rules. ABC argues the pattern constitutes unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination and creates a chilling effect on First Amendment-protected speech. This is the first major broadcast network to directly challenge Trump's FCC enforcement as politically motivated retaliation.

The ABC vs Trump FCC selective prosecution case escalated sharply this week, as Disney's broadcast network became the first major media company to formally accuse the Trump administration of using federal regulatory power to punish critical speech. Filed May 7, 2026, ABC's petition to the Federal Communications Commission is a direct legal broadside — and it names names.

*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for legal matters.*

## What ABC Filed and Why It Matters

On May 7, 2026, ABC filed a formal petition with the FCC asking the agency to "expeditiously affirm" that "The View" continues to qualify for its long-standing "bona fide news interview program" exemption from the equal-time rule. The filing, made public on May 8, goes significantly further than a routine regulatory request.