Just weeks into Donald Trump’s new term as president, his administration has wasted no time implementing major policy shifts. Among the most controversial is a crackdown on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) hiring practices. While several corporations have already made adjustments to comply, others are now finding themselves under federal scrutiny.
With NBCUniversal facing an investigation over its DEI policies, speculation is swirling—could Disney be next?
Related: Disney Announces Black History Month Celebrations Amidst Dismantling of DEI Programs
FCC Launches Investigation Into Universal
Shortly after taking office, President Trump signed an executive order that effectively outlawed corporate DEI hiring programs. Major companies such as Google and Target quickly distanced themselves from these initiatives, but not all businesses followed suit as swiftly.
Now, the federal government is taking action.
According to TheWrap, Brendan Carr, the head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has formally initiated an investigation into NBCUniversal’s hiring practices.
Related: Disney Fans Follow Trump, Blaming DEI for Company’s Issues
Carr made his position clear in a letter sent to Comcast CEO Brian Roberts, stating:
“I am writing to inform you that I have asked the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau to open an investigation into Comcast and NBCUniversal. In particular, I want to ensure that your companies are not promoting invidious forms of discrimination in violation of FCC regulations and civil rights laws.”
NBCUniversal has since responded, confirming that it intends to fully cooperate with the investigation. The company also emphasized its longstanding commitment to workplace integrity and inclusivity.
Could Disney Face Similar Scrutiny?
The federal government’s focus on Universal has sparked concerns that The Walt Disney Company could soon be in the crosshairs as well. Trump has long expressed disdain for Disney and its subsidiary, ABC. Even before taking office, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr sent a letter to Disney CEO Bob Iger criticizing ABC’s portrayal of Trump and raising concerns about media bias.
Further fueling speculation, Disney made headlines in December when it reached a surprise settlement in a defamation lawsuit filed by Trump against ABC.
The lawsuit stemmed from journalist George Stephanopoulos referring to Trump as a “rapist” on-air. As part of the settlement, Disney agreed to pay $1 million in legal fees and contribute $15 million toward the construction of Trump’s presidential library.
Related: Donald Trump’s Newest Appointment Could Spell Disaster For Disney
With Trump’s administration now taking a hard stance against DEI policies, it remains unclear whether Disney’s own hiring practices will come under official review.
Disney Takes a Step Back From DEI
Unlike Universal, Disney has made noticeable efforts to distance itself from DEI programs following Trump’s executive order. The company has removed references to DEI initiatives from its website and investor communications.
Additionally, prior to the executive order, certain classic Disney films—including Peter Pan (1953)—featured content warnings about outdated cultural depictions. These disclaimers have since been removed, signaling a potential strategic shift within Disney.
With the FCC’s investigation into Universal now underway, the question remains: Will Disney be next? Given Trump’s history with the entertainment giant, it’s certainly possible that the scrutiny will expand.
What are your thoughts? Should federal agencies investigate corporate hiring policies, or should companies be free to determine their own approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Share your opinions in the comments below!
