Anna Gomez’s Fight for Free Speech

Anna Gomez checks her phone every morning to see if President Donald Trump has fired her. As the sole Democrat on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), she feels an urgent need to counter the administration’s efforts against free speech. Her focus is set on Disney, ABC’s parent company, which is under investigation by the FCC, led by Trump ally Brendan Carr.

Gomez sent a detailed four-page letter to Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro. She accused the FCC of a coordinated attack on Disney’s free expression. The investigations include ABC’s diversity practices, moderation of a 2024 presidential debate, guest selections on “The View,” and the Trump administration’s call for Jimmy Kimmel’s firing. Gomez is concerned that targeting ABC’s local stations’ licenses is meant to intimidate the network. She describes it as the FCC’s most serious First Amendment breach.

Her letter urged Disney to resist. She argued that paying a $15 million defamation settlement was ineffective and harmful. “That settlement did not buy you peace,” she wrote. “It only bought you time.” Disney has not publicly responded, but D’Amaro has criticized the FCC’s potential to deter essential speech.

Gomez spoke from Washington, feeling motivated by Disney’s reaction. She encouraged other broadcasters to brace for similar challenges. Gomez is one of the few Democrats still in a federal role since Trump’s purge aimed to control the government. The Supreme Court is reviewing the legality of his actions.

Gomez’s term ends June 30, but unless Trump intervenes, she will continue. Her presence ensures a quorum allowing Carr to pursue his agenda. Trump’s ability to appoint a replacement is limited by the Senate divide and time until midterms.

Highlights from the Interview

A Letter to Disney and a Warning

AP: What motivated your letter to Disney?

GOMEZ: I was alarmed by the administration’s speech control. I spoke with journalists, broadcasters, and press freedom advocates nationwide. I returned convinced action was required. After seeing CBS and ABC settle lawsuits with restrictive terms, I wrote the letter to expose the FCC’s attempts to control Disney and inspire broadcasters to resist. This administration frequently loses First Amendment battles in court.

AP: Are you seeking a court ruling against the FCC?

GOMEZ: My aim is to see companies challenge FCC actions. Court wins are likely for those who contest this FCC’s approach.

Regulation in a Changing Media Environment

AP: How has the government’s media role changed?

GOMEZ: The FCC traditionally licenses local stations, focusing on spectrum for broadcasting. It upholds competition, localism, and viewpoint diversity. Censorship is not the FCC’s role.

Life as the FCC’s Sole Democrat

AP: Did you expect to challenge agency and administration actions?

GOMEZ: Never. My career focused on technical aspects, not media issues. The administration’s alarming actions required my response.

AP: How do you maintain a good relationship with Chairman Carr amid disagreements?

GOMEZ: We have a collegial relationship. We understand each other’s roles, realizing potential consequences for our actions.

AP: Are you concerned about being fired?

GOMEZ: Yes. I check my email each day with this in mind. So far, I’m still here.

AP: What are your plans post-term?

GOMEZ: I can serve over another year if no replacement is confirmed. I plan to continue working and advocating for free speech.