The FCC has launched enforcement proceedings against ABC's The View for potentially violating the equal-time rule following its recent interview with Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr confirmed the probe Wednesday, stating the agency is holding broadcasters accountable to prevent legacy media from "picking winners and losers in elections."
The action follows the show's appearance by Talarico and, weeks earlier, his primary rival Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX). Carr emphasized on Fox News that the rule applies here, as talk shows like The View do not qualify for the longstanding "bona fide" news exemption under current FCC guidance.
The View co-host Ana Navarro, speaking on CNN Newsnight shortly after the confirmation, called the equal-time rule "outdated" and accused the Trump administration of "selective" enforcement targeting her program.
Navarro argued the regulation—originating in 1927 for radio, reformed in 1934, and updated in 1959 to exempt news programs—fails to reflect today's media landscape, where platforms like YouTube, streaming, and social media draw larger audiences than traditional network or cable TV. She noted The View operates under ABC's news division.
WATCH: Ana Navarro asserts that Trump, VP Vance, and other Republicans duck shows such as The View, preferring instead "the bubble" of Fox News. Who are the Republicans ducking these shows? Their booking history suggests otherwise.
— Jorge Bonilla (@BonillaJL) February 19, 2026
ANA NAVARRO: One of the ironies is that, you… pic.twitter.com/Uupp62Yxjg
She warned that such selective application could backfire: "There may come a president in the next term who decides... to apply it to talk radio. Let’s see how Republicans like it." Navarro also mocked Trump and his allies for avoiding invitations to non-conservative programs: "They b*tch and moan about equal time, but... they choose not to come on because they like to go to the safety bubble of Fox News."