STATMENT: Congresswoman Friedman Response to Trump Administration Forcing Early License Renewal for Disney/ABC

WASHINGTON, D.C - Today, April 29, 2026 U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) released the following statement on the FCC's decision to force an early renewal of broadcasting licenses for Disney/ABC, a blatant attempt at government retaliation. Rep. Friedman said:

"The Trump Administration forcing Disney/ABC to renew its broadcast licenses early is blatant government retaliation against a network that airs critical voices. This is the kind of move we condemn when it happens in other countries. It's happening here now.

One FCC Commissioner called this 'the most egregious action this FCC has taken in violation of the First Amendment to date.'

And this isn't just a threat at Disney, it's a direct message to every newsroom in America: air content we don't like, and we'll come after your licenses. Report critically on this administration and your entire business could vanish overnight. This is how authoritarian regimes often control the press. They threaten their ability to exist until self-censorship does the work for them.

I'm working with colleagues in Congress to fight back. We will use every tool we have to stop this administration from weaponizing federal agencies to silence critics. The First Amendment and a free press aren't negotiable."

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