Sen. Bernie Moreno, Republican of Ohio, wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr on Saturday demanding a formal investigation into ABC News. Moreno says the network’s original story about President Donald Trump’s sons and defense contractor Anduril Industries was inaccurate and could jeopardize a major Ohio investment.
ABC’s revised report and the alleged errors
ABC News originally published a piece claiming that 1789 Capital, where Donald Trump Jr. serves as a partner, helped secure a $2.5 billion investment in Anduril. The story suggested the firm’s financing was tied directly to federal contracts and that the Trump family benefited from a “major strike” in the defense contractor.
Subsequent corrections revealed that the $2.5 billion figure represented Anduril’s overall fundraising round, while 1789 Capital’s actual contribution was about $50 million. ABC also clarified that Donald Trump Jr. does not sit on the firm’s investment‑decision committee. The network republished the article on Friday with a new headline, revised byline and an editor’s note acknowledging the factual errors.
Moreno’s concerns for Ohio
Moreno emphasized that Anduril is building its Arsenal‑1 manufacturing facility in Ohio, a project slated to receive nearly $1 billion in investment and create more than 4,000 jobs for Ohio workers. “The American people, and the workers in Ohio whose jobs were put at risk by this reporting, deserve answers and accountability,” the senator said.
He argued that ABC News, as a licensee of the FCC, must serve the public interest and that any false or misleading reporting that threatens a major employer in the state warrants regulatory scrutiny.
FCC and Disney context
The request arrives amid an ongoing legal dispute between Disney and the FCC over the commission’s early review of ABC‑owned television station licenses. Disney contends that the review threatens constitutionally protected editorial independence, while the FCC maintains its oversight role is lawful.
Moreno’s letter asks the commission to determine who approved the original story, whether any party sought profit from the alleged “political hit job,” and whether ABC violated its obligations as a broadcaster.
Responses from ABC and the FCC
A network source told Fox News Digital that ABC “always reviews every situation in a thorough and thoughtful manner” and declined further comment. The FCC has not yet responded to the senator’s request.
Fox News Digital reached out to the FCC for comment but did not receive an immediate reply.
Implications for Ohio and the nation
If the FCC finds that ABC News breached its licensing obligations, the commission could impose penalties or require corrective action. More importantly, the case highlights the tension between major media outlets and elected officials who argue that inaccurate reporting can harm local economies and mislead the public.
For Ohio, the outcome could affect public confidence in both the media and the regulatory process, while also underscoring the importance of accurate coverage of high‑profile investments that impact jobs and regional development.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
