FCC commissioner says Trump’s call to revoke ABC, NBC licenses is unconstitutional

• Trump delivered a nearly half-hour speech claiming U.S. elections are unreliable and threatened license revocation for networks that didn't broadcast it
• FCC Commissioner Gomez called the demand 'ridiculous' and 'a naked attempt to bully broadcasters', noting networks have made similar editorial decisions under presidents of both parties
• Revoking a broadcast license requires a multi-step legal process including an administrative law judge decision that can be appealed to the full FCC and courts

Summary: FCC Commissioner Rejects Trump's Call to Revoke ABC, NBC Licenses

Key Development:

President Donald Trump called for the revocation of broadcast licenses for Disney-owned ABC and Comcast's NBC unit after both networks declined to air his nearly 30-minute speech on July 16, 2026. The speech focused on claims that U.S. elections are unreliable.

Regulatory Response:

FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, the sole Democrat on the commission alongside two Republicans, publicly criticized Trump's demand on July 17 as "ridiculous" and unconstitutional. Gomez stated that the networks' editorial decisions are protected by the First Amendment, and the FCC lacks authority to punish broadcasters for refusing to air "blatantly political speech." She characterized the effort as "a naked attempt to bully broadcasters."

Legal Context:

Revoking a broadcaster's license requires a multi-step process involving an administrative law judge, with potential appeals to the full FCC and courts. Legal experts note that broadcast networks possess broad First Amendment rights to determine their content. While networks historically air most presidential speeches deemed of public importance, they have previously declined to broadcast remarks from Democratic presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

Companies Affected:

• Disney (ABC parent company)
• Comcast (NBC parent company)

Market Implications:

This development creates regulatory uncertainty for major media companies and highlights ongoing tensions between the administration and broadcast networks. The confrontation could influence investor sentiment regarding media stocks, though the constitutional protections and procedural safeguards suggest minimal likelihood of license revocation. Trump has repeatedly threatened ABC and NBC licenses previously.