Full Breakdown
Trump Endorses Nexstar-Tegna Merger, Advocating for Increased Competition in Broadcasting
2/10/2026, 4:10:25 PM
Overview of the Merger
Former President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed the proposed merger between Nexstar Media Group and Tegna, a deal valued at approximately $6.2 billion. This merger, announced in August 2025, would enable Nexstar to acquire 265 local television stations across 44 states and the District of Columbia, thereby covering about 80% of U.S. television households. The merger is currently under review by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which has yet to approve the necessary regulatory changes.
Trump's Position and Rationale
In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump emphasized that the merger would enhance competition against what he terms "Fake News National TV Networks." He stated, “We need more competition against THE ENEMY, the Fake News National TV Networks. Letting Good Deals get done like Nexstar–Tegna will help knock out the Fake News because there will be more competition, and at a higher and more sophisticated level.” Trump urged regulators to expedite the approval process, asserting that skeptics of the merger do not fully grasp its potential benefits.
Support from FCC and Industry Leaders
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr echoed Trump's sentiments, advocating for the merger as a means to counterbalance the dominance of major networks like Comcast and Disney. Carr criticized these entities for their control over media programming and expressed a desire to strengthen local broadcasters. He shared Trump’s post on social media, reinforcing the call for swift regulatory approval.
Nexstar CEO Perry Sook also supported the merger, claiming it would bolster local journalism by allowing for increased investment in high-quality reporting. Sook highlighted the importance of delivering reliable news in a politically polarized environment, arguing that the merger would facilitate better service to local communities.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the support from Trump and Carr, the merger has faced significant opposition. Democratic Congressman Joe Neguse and Senator Michael Bennet from Colorado criticized Trump's endorsement, arguing that the merger violates federal law and could lead to greater corporate control over local news coverage. They expressed concerns that the deal would undermine the integrity of journalism and limit access to reliable news for communities across the country.
Conflicting Reports and Regulatory Challenges
Trump's endorsement marks a notable shift from his previous stance, where he criticized proposals to lift the cap on local television station ownership, which is necessary for the merger to proceed. In November 2025, he warned that lifting the cap could empower "Radical Left Networks." This change in position has raised questions about the motivations behind his support for the Nexstar-Tegna deal.
Market Impact
Following Trump's endorsement, shares of Nexstar and Tegna experienced significant gains in pre-market trading, reflecting investor optimism regarding the merger's potential approval. Nexstar's stock rose by 9%, while Tegna's shares increased by 4.9%. This market reaction underscores the financial implications of the merger within the broadcasting industry.
What's Next
The FCC is expected to hold a Senate Commerce Committee hearing to discuss the merger and the broader implications of media ownership regulations. The outcome of this hearing will be crucial in determining the future of the Nexstar-Tegna merger and its impact on the competitive landscape of U.S. broadcasting.
