FCC orders early review of Disney broadcast licences after Kimmel joke about Melania Trump

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated an expedited review of Disney's television broadcast licenses following President Donald Trump's demand for the dismissal of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Trump called on ABC, a Disney subsidiary, to cancel Kimmel's show after the comedian made a quip about Melania Trump resembling an "expectant widow." This comment came just days prior to a shooting incident at an event attended by the Trumps. Issued on Tuesday, the FCC's directive requires Disney to submit license-renewal applications for all its TV stations within 30 days, even though renewals were not due until 2028. Democratic FCC commissioner Anna M Gomez labeled the move as "a political stunt." Meanwhile, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung stated Kimmel should be "shunned for the rest of his life." Kimmel defended his joke as "a very light roast." The shooter, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, faces charges of attempting to assassinate the president. Additionally, FCC chairman Brendan Carr had previously contacted Disney regarding an investigation into its diversity and inclusion efforts.