WASHINGTON – Every day, Anna Gomez wakes up and checks her phone, wondering if President Trump has decided to fire her from her position. For now, she continues to be the only Democrat on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), where her mission is to urge media companies to stand strong against an administration she believes is restricting free speech.
Her main focus is on Disney, the parent company of ABC, which is currently under investigation by the FCC, led by Chairman Brendan Carr, a supporter of Trump. Recently, Gomez sent a remarkable four-page letter to Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro, outlining what she calls a “sustained, coordinated campaign of censorship and control” against the company by the FCC.
In her letter, Gomez expressed concern regarding the administration’s influence over ABC’s broadcasting, including how they plan their programming and the guests invited on shows like “The View.” She highlighted the FCC’s attempts to review ABC’s broadcast licenses as a potential intimidation tactic, labeling it “the most egregious assault on the First Amendment this FCC has taken to date.”
Gomez’s message was clear: resist the pressure. She pointed out that Disney’s decision to settle a $15 million defamation case shortly before Trump took office did little to protect them and set a concerning precedent for the industry. “That settlement did not buy you peace,” she wrote. “It only bought you time.”
Although D’Amaro has not yet publicly responded to Gomez, he indicated a shift in strategy this month by accusing the FCC of making moves that could “chill critical protected speech.” In an interview, Gomez shared her optimism about Disney’s reaction and encouraged other broadcasters to prepare for similar challenges. She stands out in Washington as one of the few Democrats who have managed to keep their positions in federal agencies amidst a wave of firings by Trump aimed at reshaping the bureaucracy.
The Supreme Court is currently reviewing the legality of Trump’s actions and may announce a decision soon. Meanwhile, Gomez’s term as an FCC commissioner is set to end on June 30. However, unless Trump decides to replace her, she is likely to remain in her role, which is crucial for maintaining a quorum that allows Carr to continue pushing his agenda. Given the Senate’s narrow margins and the upcoming midterms, it would be a challenge for Trump to quickly secure a replacement.
Here are some key points from an interview with Gomez, edited for clarity.
A Letter to Disney and a Warning
AP: What made you decide to write the letter to Disney?
GOMEZ: At the start of this administration, I became increasingly worried about what I perceived as a campaign to control and censor speech. I traveled across the country talking to journalists, local broadcasters, and press freedom advocates. After these discussions, I felt a strong need to take action.
I noticed a pattern of capitulation from media companies, like CBS settling lawsuits with the president and agreeing to terms that required an ombudsperson to oversee their content to get FCC approval. ABC also settled its lawsuit, which heightened my concern that such capitulation leads to more capitulation.
Thus, my letter had two main purposes: to document the FCC’s attempts to control Disney and to encourage them, along with other broadcasters, to stand firm. We know that when this administration faces legal challenges for violating the First Amendment, it often loses.
AP: Is your ultimate goal to have a court rule against the FCC?
GOMEZ: Ultimately, I want companies to push back. If this goes to court, any entity that challenges the FCC’s actions is likely to win.
Regulation in a Changing Media Environment
AP: The media landscape has changed dramatically since the FCC was established. What role should the government play in this space today?
GOMEZ: Traditionally, the FCC has licensed local broadcast stations, overseeing the spectrum they use to transmit their content. It operates on three main principles: competition, localism, and viewpoint diversity. We want a variety of voices in the media, not just a few dominant ones.
Being a censor is not the FCC’s role. Our focus should be promoting a rich media landscape that serves the public interest.
Life as the FCC’s Sole Democrat
AP: You’ve had a long career in the FCC. Did you ever think you would have to take such a strong stand against the agency and the administration?
GOMEZ: No, never did I think I would be so vocal about defending the First Amendment and our democracy.
I’m usually focused on technical aspects like broadband access and airwaves. However, the actions of this administration have pushed me to speak up in ways I never expected.
AP: You have a cordial relationship with Chairman Carr despite your disagreements. What’s your secret for maintaining that?
GOMEZ: We have a professional working relationship. He understands my perspective and my need to voice my concerns, even knowing that I might face repercussions for it. We work to keep our relationship respectful.
AP: Are you referring to the possibility of being fired by the president?
