Trump’s FCC Commissioner Launches Investigation Into Disney and ABC Over DEI Policies
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Brendan Carr has announced an investigation into the Walt Disney Co. and its ABC television network over concerns that they are “promoting invidious forms of DEI discrimination.” The move is part of President Donald Trump’s broader efforts to challenge diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in both public and private organizations.
Carr made the announcement in a letter sent to Disney CEO Robert Iger on Friday. While Disney has stated that it is reviewing the letter and will respond to the commission’s inquiries, the investigation marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s scrutiny of media companies.
Trump Administration’s Expanding Media Oversight
The investigation into Disney comes as the Trump administration adopts a more aggressive stance toward media organizations. This week alone, the administration has been involved in court hearings over the shutdown of Voice of America and a dispute with The Associated Press regarding the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.”
Since being appointed by Trump, Carr has pushed the FCC into an activist role, launching investigations into major networks including ABC, CBS, and NBC News.
“For decades, Disney focused on churning out box office and programming successes,” Carr wrote in his letter to Iger. “But then something changed. Disney has now become embroiled in rounds of controversy surrounding its DEI policies.”
Carr acknowledged reports that Disney has rolled back some of its diversity practices but insisted that “significant concerns remain.”
Disney’s Changing Approach to DEI
Last month, Axios reported that Disney had made adjustments to its DEI policies, including shutting down a website that highlighted individuals from underrepresented communities. The company also altered content warnings for films like Dumbo and Peter Pan. Instead of cautioning viewers about “negative depictions and/or mistreatment of peoples or culture,” the updated message states that the films “may contain stereotypes or negative depictions” and are presented as originally created.
Carr’s letter referenced an article by conservative activist Christopher Rufo, who described Disney as “the wokest place on Earth.” He also cited past Disney policies, such as ABC’s previous requirement that at least 50% of characters in TV pilots come from underrepresented groups. He pointed to a 2021 statement by a Disney executive acknowledging that some TV pilots were rejected for not meeting inclusion standards.
Trump’s Broader Fight Against DEI
Trump has taken aim at DEI initiatives across government agencies and private institutions. Carr emphasized that the FCC has already begun eliminating its own DEI initiatives under Trump’s direction and encouraged other organizations to follow suit.
“At my direction, the FCC has already taken action to end its own promotion of DEI,” Carr wrote. “I have been pleased to see that some regulated companies are already taking steps toward rooting out discriminatory DEI policies.”
With this investigation into Disney and ABC, Trump’s FCC is signaling that its crackdown on diversity initiatives in media is far from over.
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