Even by today's standards, it was unusual: an FCC commissioner applauding a company's decision to sue her own agency. This week Walt Disney launched an aggressive attack on the Federal Communications Commission, accusing it of a "retaliatory campaign" against ABC. This contrasts sharply with post-2024 election behavior, when Disney paid $15mn plus costs to settle a suit by then president-elect Trump, and CBS paid $16mn. Those settlements raised concerns media companies would cave under pressure during Trump's emboldened second term.

But signs show media groups are now willing to stand firm. Trump faces multiple legal battles — with some initial setbacks — against organizations including the BBC, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Analysts see strategic merit in fighting, with midterm elections in November potentially shifting the political landscape.

"Fear [of Trump] doesn't really work the way it used to," said media analyst Michael Wolff. "Disney can see the midterms coming up and is aggressively protecting their rights." First Amendment litigator Greg Lukianoff noted: "In his first term, it was more just talk. In his second term, he's been taking more actions."

FCC Chair Brendan Carr ordered an early license renewal review for ABC — the first in over half a century — and is investigating whether The View violated broadcast rules. Trump has repeatedly called for revoking ABC's licenses.