Trump Threatens Broadcast Licenses for Opposing Networks
On Thursday, President Trump suggested that the U.S. government might consider taking away broadcast licenses from news networks that he perceives as largely “opposed” to him.
This statement came just a day after he praised ABC for deciding to temporarily suspend comedian Jimmy Kimmel, who has made numerous anti-Trump comments, especially following a controversial hint linking Charlie Kirk’s murderer to Trump’s “Maga” movement.
“I’ve seen reports that the network is again 97% negative toward me, but I won all seven swing states easily,” Trump remarked to reporters, referencing what he believes to be his success in the upcoming 2024 election.
“They are 97% against it. They give me bad press. They have licenses,” he continued, emphasizing his concern.
“Maybe they should take their licenses away,” he added, hinting at possible regulatory action.
He mentioned Brendan Kerr, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, suggesting that Kerr “loves our country and he’s a tough guy, so we have to look into this.” It seems he wants a strong approach regarding networks that don’t align with his views.
Hours before ABC’s announcement about Kimmel’s suspension, Kerr had indicated there could be “strong cases” for the FCC to act against ABC and its parent company, Disney.
During a segment on Monday, Kimmel had remarked on how the “Magagang” was attempting to manipulate narratives surrounding Kirk’s death for political gain.
Meanwhile, Carr stated that networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS had special responsibilities to the public interest, claiming that Kimmel’s actions fell short of this obligation by potentially misleading viewers.
He denied that ABC had pressured Kimmel into taking any specific actions.
Trump also took to his Truth Social account to celebrate Kimmel’s suspension and further criticized Stephen Colbert following CBS’s announcement to end Colbert’s show after ten years. “It leaves Jimmy [Fallon] and Seth [Meyers]—two total losers, fake news NBC. Their reviews are also scary. Do it NBC!!!” he wrote, reminding us of his ongoing grievances with various media outlets, including labeling ABC as “fake news.”
