Moreno demands FCC probe of ABC News over Anduril reporting

Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-OH, asked the Federal Communications Commission to open a formal investigation into ABC News after the network deleted and revised a report involving President Donald Trump's sons and defense contractor Anduril Industries. In a letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, Moreno accused the Disney-owned broadcaster of publishing false information that could damage a major investment in Ohio.

Moreno questioned whether ABC News violated its obligations as a licensee and demanded accountability for who signed off on the publication. He stated that the network's conduct amounted to a political hit job and asked the commission to determine if anyone sought to profit from the attack. A spokesperson for the senator declined to elaborate further on the allegations when reached by Fox News Digital.

The request followed ABC News' removal of a Wednesday article that claimed companies connected to Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump secured billions in government contracts, including through venture capital firm 1789 Capital. Moreno argued the original report misrepresented Anduril's financing and unfairly linked the Trump family to federal contracting decisions. He noted that broadcast licenses are a privilege requiring service of the public interest, not a right.

The core of the dispute involved ABC's initial claim that 1789 Capital, where Trump Jr. serves as a partner, acquired a major stake in Anduril through a $2.5 billion investment. According to Moreno, that figure represented Anduril's broader fundraising round, while 1789 Capital's specific investment was approximately $50 million. ABC News republished a substantially revised article on Friday with a new headline and revised byline. An editor's note acknowledged errors regarding investments, government contracts, and the chronology of events. The updated report also clarified that Trump Jr. does not serve on the firm's investment decision-making committee.

Moreno highlighted the economic impact on Ohio, where Anduril is constructing its Arsenal-1 manufacturing facility. The company has planned to put nearly $1 billion into the project, an investment expected to generate more than 4,000 jobs. The senator argued that the original reporting put those jobs at risk and undermined public confidence in journalism.

The investigation request arrives during an ongoing legal dispute between Disney and the FCC over the early review of ABC-owned television station licenses. Disney has argued that the review threatens constitutionally protected editorial independence, while the FCC maintains its actions constitute regulatory oversight. The FCC did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

A network source for ABC News told Fox News Digital that the company reviews every situation in a thorough and thoughtful manner and would not provide further comment at this time.