The US Federal Communications Commission has urged a federal court to dismiss Disney's lawsuit against it, seeking to press ahead with a review that could ultimately see ABC's broadcast licences not renewed. Disney sued the FCC in August, accusing the agency of running a "campaign of censorship" against ABC in retaliation for content President Trump disliked, including material involving Jimmy Kimmel and The View. The case has taken on wider significance amid concern from watchdog groups that Disney could reach a settlement with the FCC that fails to protect the public interest.

In its court filing, the FCC insisted it remains "open-minded" and has made no decision, arguing the early licence review concerns only allegations of unlawful discrimination linked to Disney's diversity, equity and inclusion policies, and that Disney's responses to its inquiries had been "deficient and nonresponsive". The agency asked the court either to throw out the case entirely or deny Disney's request for an injunction to pause the review, also disputing the district court's jurisdiction. Separately, two watchdog groups and individual ABC viewers are seeking to intervene in the case, fearing a private settlement between Disney and the FCC; Disney has opposed their involvement, leaving a judge to decide whether they can join proceedings.