FCC Chair Signals FCC Probe Into ‘The View’ After Trump Criticism and Jimmy Kimmel Suspension

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr announced Thursday that his agency may “look into” ABC’s daytime talk show ‘The View,’ following the network’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel and ongoing criticism of the show’s coverage of former President Donald Trump. Carr’s comments, made on “The Scott Jennings Radio Show,” come amid heightened scrutiny of broadcast standards and growing debate over political representation and content regulation in American media .

The controversy centers on whether ‘The View,’ which regularly features discussions of politics, culture, and current events, qualifies as a “bona fide news program.” Under FCC regulations, this status exempts shows from the “equal time” rule, which otherwise requires broadcasters to provide equal airtime to all political candidates. Carr stated, “I would assume you can make the argument that ‘The View’ is a bona fide news show, but I'm not so sure about that. And I think it's worthwhile to have the FCC look into whether ‘The View’ and some of these other programs…still qualify as bona fide news programs and therefore exempt from the equal opportunity regime that Congress has put in place” .

The FCC chair’s remarks followed ABC’s decision to suspend late-night host Jimmy Kimmel indefinitely after he made pointed comments about the reaction of conservative groups to the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel stated, “We hit some new lows…with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it” .

The suspension came in response to pressure from ABC affiliate station owners, including Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair, which owns the largest number of ABC affiliates nationally, issued a statement demanding additional action from both the FCC and ABC, and called on Kimmel to apologize to the Kirk family and make a donation to Turning Point USA. Sinclair stated, “Kimmel’s suspension is not enough” .

Carr’s call for a probe into ‘The View’ highlights broader concerns about political representation in broadcast media. According to research cited by the Media Research Center, ‘The View’ failed to feature any right-leaning political guests between January and April 2025, while welcoming 63 liberal guests, including nine Democratic politicians. This perceived imbalance has fueled criticism from conservative groups and the Trump administration, who have threatened to push for the show’s removal if attacks on Trump continue .

These developments have significant implications for LGBTQ+ audiences and representation. Daytime television, including programs like ‘The View,’ has historically provided a platform for diverse perspectives, including LGBTQ+ voices and advocacy. The current co-host lineup includes Sunny Hostin, Ana Navarro, Alyssa Farah Griffin (a former Trump White House communications director), Sara Haines, Joy Behar, and Whoopi Goldberg. The show regularly discusses issues impacting LGBTQ+ communities, such as gender identity, anti-trans legislation, and discrimination, providing an important counterbalance to narratives that may exclude or marginalize LGBTQ+ persons .

Advocacy organizations have expressed concern that increased regulatory scrutiny of talk shows could disproportionately impact programs that elevate marginalized voices, including those of LGBTQ+ people. The “equal time” rule, if more broadly applied, could force shows to platform views that may be hostile to the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in a polarized political climate. Media watchdogs have warned that such changes risk undermining the progress made in diversifying daytime and prime-time television .

ABC and Disney have declined to comment on Carr’s remarks or the potential FCC investigation. Legal experts suggest that the outcome could set a precedent for how news and talk programs are classified, with ramifications for editorial independence, free speech, and advocacy. An entertainment lawyer familiar with ABC stated, “I think ‘The View’ is next,” suggesting that the show’s liberal brand may be increasingly at risk .

Meanwhile, LGBTQ+ advocates urge policymakers to consider the impact of regulatory changes on media diversity. “Daytime TV remains one of the few spaces where LGBTQ+ stories and issues are discussed openly,” one advocate noted, emphasizing that representation is vital to combating misinformation and fostering understanding. The National LGBTQ Task Force and GLAAD have previously called for the protection of media platforms that amplify queer voices, particularly as political attacks on LGBTQ+ rights intensify nationwide.

The FCC’s potential investigation into ‘The View’ and the fallout from Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension reflect broader tensions over media regulation, political bias, and the role of broadcast television in shaping public discourse. As the debate unfolds, LGBTQ+ audiences and advocates remain vigilant, recognizing that the outcome will affect not only the diversity of perspectives on daytime TV but also the visibility and affirmation of LGBTQ+ identities in mainstream media.