FCC Will Review Disney’s Broadcast Licenses After Melania Trump Blasts Jimmy Kimmel Joke

BreakingBusinessFCC Will Review Disney’s Broadcast Licenses After Melania Trump Blasts Jimmy Kimmel JokeByAntonio Pequeño IV,Forbes Staff. Pequeño is a breaking news reporter who covers tech and more.Follow AuthorApr 28, 2026, 01:39pm EDTToplineThe Federal Communications Commission is planning to review Disney’s broadcast licenses, according to multiple reports, pressing the media conglomerate after First Lady Melania Trump blasted a joke made by late night host Jimmy Kimmel in which he said the first lady had “a glow like an expectant widow” days before a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.Kimmel said the joke he made about Trump concerned the president's age.Photo by Randy Holmes/Disney via Getty ImagesKey FactsThe FCC will make an unprecedented, early review of Disney’s broadcast licenses for ABC, according to Semafor.The FCC may not trigger the review, Semafor added, though it noted FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s threats against Disney’s licenses over its diversity programs.“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is broadcast on ABC, which receives licenses from the FCC to publicly air its programs across the country.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.Got a tip? Share confidential information with Forbes.Editorial StandardsReprints & PermissionsLOADING VIDEO PLAYER...FORBES’ FEATURED Video