Trump administration faces lawsuit over alleged free‑speech violations【】
ABC filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) alleging that the Trump administration’s investigation of the talk show “The View” infringes on free‑speech protections. The complaint claims the agency’s probe into whether the show violated equal‑time rules creates a chilling effect on First Amendment rights.
The FCC had previously announced an inquiry into the show after Democratic candidate James Talarico appeared on it in February. The agency said it was evaluating whether the broadcast violated equal‑time requirements. ABC responded that “The View” is exempt from these rules as a bona fide news program, a status that has not been disputed.
The filing was submitted on behalf of KTRK‑TV, ABC’s Houston affiliate, which was directed to ask the FCC to confirm the show’s exempt status. ABC argues that the commission’s order is unprecedented and could harm protected speech.
No comment has come from the FCC or Disney, ABC’s parent company. The dispute follows the agency’s recent decision to review the licenses of eight ABC‑owned stations and investigations into diversity practices at Disney and other broadcasters.