Trump Appointee Targets Universal Over DEI Hiring Amid Trump’s Crackdown — What About Disney?
Less than a month into Donald Trump’s presidency, major corporations are already facing scrutiny as his administration moves swiftly on key policy initiatives. Among them is a crackdown on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) hiring practices—one of Trump’s first executive orders since returning to office.
Now, an investigation into NBCUniversal has raised new questions: Could Disney be next?
Related: Disney Stands Firm on Diversity Initiatives Following Trump Executive Order
FCC Targets Universal Over DEI Hiring
One of the first actions taken by President Trump upon re-entering the White House was signing an executive order that made DEI hiring practices illegal. Companies like Google and Target were quick to respond, immediately announcing the discontinuation of their DEI programs.
However, not every corporation acted as swiftly, and it appears some are now facing direct government scrutiny.
According to a report from TheWrap, Brendan Carr, the head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has formally launched an investigation into NBCUniversal regarding its DEI initiatives.
In a letter sent to Comcast CEO Brian Roberts, Carr stated:
“I am writing to inform you that I have asked the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau to open an investigation into Comcast and NBCUniversal. In particular, I want to ensure that your companies are not promoting invidious forms of discrimination in violation of FCC regulations and civil rights laws.”
NBCUniversal responded by stating that the company would fully cooperate with the investigation and reaffirmed its commitment to integrity and respect for all employees and customers. The Universal Careers website also continues to include information about its DEI program.
Related: Fans Claim DEI Initiatives Responsible for Disney Imagineering Setbacks
Could Disney Be Next?
The launch of this investigation has sparked speculation about whether The Walt Disney Company could soon be under similar scrutiny. Trump has never hidden his disdain for Disney or ABC, the network it owns.
Even before returning to office, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr had written to Disney CEO Bob Iger, criticizing ABC’s coverage of Trump and questioning the company’s media practices.
In December, Disney made headlines when it quietly settled a multi-million-dollar lawsuit brought against ABC by Trump. The former president had sued over comments made by veteran journalist George Stephanopoulos, who referred to Trump as a “rapist.”
Related: Disney World Guests May Pay More as Trump Pushes Change
As part of the settlement, Disney agreed to cover $1 million in attorney fees and pledged a $15 million donation toward the construction of Trump’s presidential library.
This high-profile settlement was widely seen as Disney’s effort to avoid further legal entanglements with the Trump administration. But as the FCC moves forward with its investigation into Universal, some are wondering if Disney’s own hiring policies could soon be scrutinized.
Disney Quietly Moves Away From DEI
While Universal is now facing official scrutiny, Disney appears to be taking a more cautious approach.
Following Trump’s executive order banning DEI hiring, Disney has notably scrubbed any reference to DEI initiatives from its official website and investor reports. Previously, select Disney films—including Peter Pan (1953)—featured content disclaimers acknowledging outdated and offensive stereotypes, a move tied to the company’s DEI efforts.
However, those disclaimers have since disappeared, signaling a potential shift in Disney’s corporate strategy.
As Trump’s administration continues its aggressive approach toward corporations with DEI policies, industry insiders are watching closely to see if the federal government will expand its focus beyond Universal. Given Trump’s history with Disney, it’s not out of the realm of possibility.
What do you think? Should the federal government investigate the hiring practices of companies like Disney and Universal, or should corporations be free to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as they see fit? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
