WASHINGTON D.C.: Disney and its ABC unit have sued the Federal Communications Commission to stop an early review of licenses for eight ABC stations, alleging the Trump administration is using its regulatory authority to retaliate against the network over its programming and editorial decisions.

The lawsuit, filed August 18 in the U.S. District Court in Washington, seeks to block the FCC from moving ahead with proceedings that could lead to the licenses being revoked.

Disney said the FCC was seeking to coerce and retaliate against "a network that refuses to bow to the administration's demands," describing the agency's actions as an "extraordinary assault on free speech."

President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged broadcasters to drop comedy or news programs he dislikes or that have been critical, and has pressed the FCC numerous times to revoke ABC's licenses. Last month, Trump again called for ABC stations to lose their licenses after the network refused to air a prime-time speech on elections.

Disney and ABC asked the court to quickly issue a temporary restraining order halting the license renewal proceedings and preventing the FCC from scheduling a hearing. The company said the public comment period ended earlier this month and the agency could act at any time.

The lawsuit alleges the administration is violating the company's First Amendment rights, saying the FCC "is using its regulatory power to retaliate against (Disney and ABC) for programming and editorial decisions the administration dislikes."

The FCC said the review stemmed from a year-long investigation into whether Disney's diversity policies amounted to unlawful discrimination, an allegation Disney denies.

U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan on August 18 directed Disney and the FCC to propose a schedule for considering the temporary restraining order request. She also ordered the agency to notify her if it moves to begin the process of revoking the licenses.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr ordered the reviews in April, even though the stations' license renewals were not due to be considered until October 2028. The FCC had not ordered an early review in more than 50 years before April.

Carr has repeatedly said he wants to enforce the FCC's public interest obligation for broadcasters using public airwaves.

An FCC spokesperson said broadcasters have a legal obligation to operate in the public interest and cited the agency's investigation into Disney's diversity practices.

"Disney is obviously very concerned about the FCC's proceeding," the agency said. "The FCC will follow the facts and law wherever they lead."

Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez said Tuesday that "for months, the FCC has waged a campaign of censorship and control against Disney's ABC stations, using the threat of broadcast license revocations to punish a company for speech this administration doesn't like."

The reviews were ordered a day after Trump urged ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.

The FCC is also investigating ABC daytime talk show "The View" over whether it may be subject to federal rules requiring broadcasters to provide equal opportunities to political candidates. Disney said the program has not invited any political candidates since February, citing the FCC's "pressure campaign."