In the world of entertainment and politics, few figures have been as polarizing as Donald Trump. His time in office, his outspoken views, and his constant presence in the media have made him a headline-maker. But now, as tensions continue to rise, Trump has taken aim at Disney and its subsidiary, ABC, accusing them of unfair practices and bias.
This public feud is just the latest chapter in the ongoing battle between the former president and the entertainment industry, one that could have lasting repercussions for both sides.
Related: Trump’s Deportation Threat Raises Concerns for Disney and Universal’s Labor Needs
The Battle Over ABC and the Political Landscape
The roots of the conflict can be traced to 2020 when Trump and Disney, particularly ABC, began clashing over coverage. Trump has frequently accused ABC, Disney’s flagship network, of spreading “fake news” and portraying him in a negative light. This accusation was particularly evident when ABC’s coverage of Trump’s presidential campaign and the subsequent administration became the subject of controversy.
In 2020, ABC’s news division aired several segments critical of Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his political conduct. Trump, already frustrated with what he called the “mainstream media,” singled out ABC as one of his primary targets. He criticized the network for what he perceived as biased reporting, labeling it part of the “fake news” machine that he had condemned throughout his presidency.
Related: Donald Trump Demands Bob Iger “Fire Everybody” at ABC
ABC’s anchor, George Stephanopoulos, found himself at the center of Trump’s ire, especially after the network hosted a town hall with Biden in the final days of the 2020 election. Trump lashed out, calling the event a “disaster” and accusing ABC of giving Biden an unfair advantage.
Trump’s Ace Targets ABC
While many of Trump’s appointees must still be approved by Congress before officially assuming their positions, one of his selections has already made a move regarding Disney CEO Bob Iger, signaling that he will be closely monitoring ABC News throughout Trump’s presidency.
Brendan Carr, a lawyer and current member of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) since 2017, was appointed FCC Chairman during Trump’s first term and was reappointed by President Biden in 2023. Carr is known for his controversial role in drafting the Project 2025 document and his support for banning TikTok in the U.S.
He has also voiced support for Trump’s push to revoke broadcast licenses for the three major networks—ABC, NBC, and CBS—following the former president’s criticism of their coverage of him.
Recently, Carr sent a letter to Bob Iger, chastising ABC News for its handling of Trump-related coverage. In the letter, Carr claimed that the American public no longer trusts national media outlets to report “fully, accurately, and fairly.”
He specifically pointed out ABC’s settlement of a $15 million payment to Trump following a lawsuit against ABC and Good Morning America anchor George Stephanopoulos. The lawsuit stemmed from Stephanopoulos’s comment that Trump had been found liable for rape, even though a judge had only ruled him liable for sexual assault in a separate case filed by journalist E. Jean Carroll.
Brian Stelter of CNN obtained and shared the letter on X (formerly Twitter). In it, Carr criticized ABC for the settlement while emphasizing the broader decline in trust towards national news networks.
Here’s the full letter from incoming FCC chair Brendan Carr to Disney CEO Bob Iger about ABC’s negotiations with affiliates – and about trust in media writ large
However, Carr did recognize that local ABC affiliates, which are often independently owned and operated, are distinct from the national network. He expressed support for these local stations, which negotiate their own agreements with ABC and hold separate FCC licenses.
“The fact that a massive trust divide has emerged between local news outlets and national programmers like ABC only increases the importance of retransmission consent revenues remaining available for local broadcast TV stations to invest in their local news operations and content that serves their communities.”
Here’s the full letter from incoming FCC chair Brendan Carr to Disney CEO Bob Iger about ABC’s negotiations with affiliates – and about trust in media writ large pic.twitter.com/ARO0onozcy
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) December 24, 2024
Related: Disney Makes Controversial Move, Inking Deal with Anchor Amid Trump Lawsuit Aftermath
The Future of the Disney-ABC Conflict
With Trump’s ongoing presence in the political and media landscapes, this feud with Disney and ABC is far from over. His supporters, energized by his rhetoric, continue to push for corporate accountability, while critics argue that his actions are nothing more than an attempt to shift the national conversation away from the real issues facing the country.
While Trump continues to lash out at Disney and ABC, the entertainment giants appear unshaken. Disney, a company worth billions, has long been seen as an influential voice in the media world. It’s unlikely that Trump’s criticisms will significantly affect Disney’s overall business, especially as the company continues to thrive in areas like theme parks and film production.
However, the public feud does serve as a reminder of how the intersection of politics and entertainment can create powerful, sometimes polarizing narratives. Trump’s fight with Disney and ABC is not just a clash of personalities; it’s a battle over the cultural and ideological direction of the nation.
What’s Next for the Disney-ABC Feud?
As Trump’s rhetoric grows bolder, the question remains: What’s next for the feud between him and Disney? Will the former president continue to battle with one of the world’s most powerful entertainment companies, or will his efforts fall short? Only time will tell, but for now, the stakes in this ongoing drama are high, and the cultural implications are still unfolding.
What do you think about Trump’s feud with Disney and ABC? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
I cannot stand trump or anything he does or says
You’re going to have a rough 4 years. Stock up on the Kleenex.
When a news outlet refers to a politician’s comments (regardless of which side of the aisle) as rhetoric, the article is already slanted and biased while attempting to manipulate its readers. Report facts and let readers decide their opinion.