Trump Suggests Network Licenses Should Be Revoked Amid Kimmel’s Leave

On Thursday, former President Trump weighed in on criticism from networks like ABC, particularly following host Jimmy Kimmel’s recent indefinite leave from his late-night show.

Upon returning from a brief trip to the UK, Trump commented on Kimmel’s situation during a conversation on Air Force One. He mentioned a claim that the network’s coverage of him was 97% negative, noting that despite this, he secured victories in all seven swing states.

“I hear they are 97% against me,” he remarked, adding, “I think maybe their licenses should be taken away.” He expressed his belief that the network’s ongoing negative portrayal warranted scrutiny.

While praising ABC’s chairman, Brendan Kerr, as a “patriot” and “tough guy,” he also suggested that the political slant of late-night shows should be reviewed in light of their licensing agreements.

“You have a network, and all they do is hit Trump. That’s all,” Trump stated. He argued that conservative perspectives have been largely absent from late-night programming for years, claiming that the shows predominantly focus on attacks.

Trump’s remarks hinted at an earlier concept from the FCC known as the fairness doctrine, which required broadcast networks to offer diverse viewpoints on contentious issues. However, this doctrine was abolished in 1987.

Recently, ABC had announced that Kimmel’s show would air “indefinitely,” drawing criticism from conservative circles following comments related to the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk, a co-founder of Turning Point USA. Kimmel faced backlash for actions he deemed politically motivated in the wake of the incident.

In the past, Trump has frequently attacked Kimmel and other late-night hosts, at one point even cheering CBS on its decision to cancel “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and expressing interest in similar actions against Kimmel and NBC’s hosts.