Trump Threatens ABC and NBC with License Revocation Over Coverage

On August 24, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump escalated his ongoing conflict with major news networks ABC and NBC, accusing them of biased coverage and suggesting that their broadcast licenses should be revoked by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This latest tirade reflects Trump's adversarial relationship with the media, reminiscent of his first term in office, where he frequently labeled unfavorable coverage as "fake news."

NewsweekTrump threatens US media, floats licence revocationsForbesMediaiteTrump says ABC and NBC should be "terminated" in latest tirade against "FAKE NEWS"

In a series of posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that ABC and NBC provide "97% BAD STORIES" about him, asserting that they act as "an arm of the Democrat Party." He stated, "IF THAT IS THE CASE, THEY ARE SIMPLY AN ARM OF THE DEMOCRAT PARTY AND SHOULD, ACCORDING TO MANY, HAVE THEIR LICENSES REVOKED BY THE FCC." Trump expressed his support for such actions, labeling the networks as "biased and untruthful," and described their coverage as "an actual threat to our Democracy."

ForbesTrump threatens US media, floats licence revocationsNewsweekMediaiteTrump calls for ABC and NBC licences to be revoked over coverage

Trump's posts included demands for the networks to pay "millions of dollars a year in license fees" for using the airwaves, which he deemed "the most valuable." He argued that they should lose their licenses for what he termed "unfair coverage of Republicans and/or Conservatives." This rhetoric raises concerns about potential government interference in media operations.

Trump Threatens to Pull News Networks Off the Air in Raging Late-Night Tirade

Media experts and press freedom advocates have expressed alarm over Trump's threats. Victor Pickard, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, warned that Trump's actions could signify an attempt to exert dictatorial control over the media landscape. Tim Karr from Free Press echoed these concerns, highlighting the risks of corporate media capitulation to political pressures. Critics argue that such threats undermine the First Amendment rights of the press, which are designed to protect against government meddling.

Common Dreams

The White House Correspondents' Association responded to Trump's comments by emphasizing the importance of a free press, stating, "In a free country, leaders must not be able to choose their own press corps." Meanwhile, inquiries sent to the FCC, NBC, and ABC regarding Trump's statements went unanswered outside business hours.

Newsweek

The ongoing conflict between Trump and the media is likely to continue, particularly as the 2026 midterm elections approach. Observers are concerned that Trump's rhetoric could lead to increased pressure on media organizations to conform to his narrative, potentially impacting the landscape of American journalism.

Newsweek

• “Despite a very high popularity and, according to many, among the greatest 8 months in Presidential History, ABC & NBC FAKE NEWS, two of the worst and most biased networks in history, give me 97% BAD STORIES.” — Donald Trump, President of the United States

Trump threatens US media, floats licence revocationsIndependent Journal ReviewTrump says ABC and NBC should be "terminated" in latest tirade against "FAKE NEWS"NewsweekTrump threatens to axe ABC and NBC in late-night meltdown as he rages over 'bad stories'

• “Crooked ‘journalism’ should not be rewarded, it should be terminated!!!” — Donald Trump, President of the United States

Newsweek

This situation underscores the complex dynamics between political power and media freedom, raising critical questions about the future of journalistic integrity in the face of governmental scrutiny.

Common Dreams