In a bold move that signals a shift toward accountability in corporate America, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched an investigation into Disney and its news arm, ABC, over their controversial Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. This probe, initiated by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr—appointed by President Trump—is a direct response to concerns that Disney’s “woke” policies could violate federal laws against discrimination.
The investigation was spurred by a letter from Chairman Carr to Disney CEO Bob Iger, dated March 27, 2025, in which Carr highlighted potential violations of the FCC’s equal employment opportunity regulations. These rules prohibit racial, religious, and gender-based discrimination, ensuring that entities like Disney’s ABC News uphold fairness and merit-based hiring practices.
Carr’s letter, which points to Disney’s aggressive push for DEI initiatives, raises serious questions about whether these policies have led to discriminatory practices that benefit certain groups over others based on identity, not merit. In recent years, Disney has been embroiled in controversy surrounding its DEI programs, with critics arguing that these initiatives perpetuate division and racial segregation, rather than fostering genuine inclusion.
The investigation comes on the heels of President Trump’s executive order aimed at curbing these woke practices in the workplace. Many conservatives have long argued that DEI policies—while masked as efforts to promote equality—often create a framework that discriminates against individuals based on their race, gender, or other identity markers. The letter from Carr underscores these concerns, suggesting that Disney’s policies may have pushed the company into territory that violates federal law.
Carr wrote in his letter, “I want to ensure that Disney ends any and all discriminatory initiatives in substance, not just name.” He made it clear that Disney must prove that its DEI programs have not led to unlawful discrimination. The FCC head also cited reports from whistleblowers and public documents that reveal disturbing patterns within Disney’s operations, including racially-segregated affinity groups and spaces within the company—practices that run afoul of the Communications Act and FCC regulations.
One of the key issues raised by Carr is the use of race and gender-based criteria in hiring and promotion decisions. Disney’s push for DEI has been well-documented, with many reports showing that the company embedded these criteria deeply into its corporate culture. This approach is not only harmful to the fabric of fair business practices but also runs counter to the spirit of meritocracy that has long been a hallmark of American enterprise.
Chairman Carr’s letter concluded with a firm warning to Disney: “Although your company recently made some changes to how it brands certain efforts, it is not clear that the underlying policies have changed in a fundamental manner.” This investigation is set to hold Disney accountable for any remaining discriminatory practices tied to its DEI initiatives.
For many conservatives, this investigation represents a long-overdue step toward restoring fairness in the workplace and reining in the corporate influence of identity politics. Disney’s recent controversies have highlighted the dangers of prioritizing identity over merit, and it’s refreshing to see federal agencies like the FCC stepping up to safeguard the principles of equality and opportunity for all, regardless of race or gender.
As this investigation unfolds, it could set a precedent for other companies across the nation, signaling a shift away from divisive and discriminatory DEI policies. If the FCC’s findings reveal significant violations, Disney could be forced to overhaul its approach to workplace equality—an outcome that would be a win for fairness and common sense in corporate America.
