GOP Senator Demands FCC Probe ABC News Over Revised Trump Sons Report

Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, has called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch a formal investigation into ABC News. The demand follows the network's decision to delete and substantially revise a report that linked President Donald Trump's sons with defense contractor Anduril Industries.

In a letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, Moreno accused ABC News of publishing false information and questioned whether the network violated its obligations as a broadcaster. "Thus, I urge the Commission to open a formal investigation into ABC News's political hit job. We must know who signed off on the publication of this false story, who may have asked to profit from the attack, and whether ABC News's conduct violated its obligations as a licensee," Moreno stated.

The ABC News report, initially published Wednesday, claimed that companies connected to Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump had secured billions in government contracts, including through the venture capital firm 1789 Capital. Moreno specifically challenged the report's characterization of Anduril's financing, arguing it misrepresented the company's investment activity.

Moreno highlighted the economic significance of Anduril Industries for Ohio, where the company is developing its Arsenal-1 manufacturing facility. The project is expected to involve nearly $1 billion in investment and create over 4,000 jobs. Moreno expressed concern that the initial reporting could undermine public confidence and harm this development.

ABC News republished a revised version of the article on Friday, acknowledging factual errors related to company investments, government contracts, and the chronology of events. The updated report clarified that 1789 Capital's investment in Anduril was approximately $50 million, not a share of a $2.5 billion broader fundraising round, and that Trump Jr. does not serve on the firm's investment decision-making committee. The revised article included an editor's note detailing the corrections.

Moreno emphasized that broadcast licenses are a privilege requiring service to the public interest. "The American people, and the workers in Ohio whose jobs were put at risk by this reporting, deserve answers and accountability," he said.

The FCC investigation request occurs amidst an ongoing legal dispute between Disney, ABC's parent company, and the FCC. Disney is challenging the FCC's early review of ABC-owned television station licenses, arguing it infringes on editorial independence. The FCC has defended its actions as regulatory oversight.

ABC News has stated, "We always review every situation in a thorough and thoughtful manner and will not be providing further comment at this time." The FCC has not yet issued a public response to Moreno's request.