Full Breakdown
Allegations of Anti-Trump Bias at ABC News
4/7/2026, 7:31:37 AM
Claims of a Dedicated Division Against Trump
Former television host Billy Bush has alleged that ABC News maintained a specialized division comprising 75 personnel focused on undermining Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential election. In a recent appearance on the "Hang Out with Sean Hannity" podcast, Bush recounted his conversations with then-NBC News chairman Andy Lack, suggesting that the network aimed to "weaponize" the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape to influence the election. He noted that the tape was strategically used in a debate context, with the first question posed by moderator Anderson Cooper directly referencing it.
Bush emphasized that there has always been a concerted effort to target Trump, stating, "This was it! This was – there has always been an 'it' to get Trump, but this was definitely it at the time." While he did not disclose the identity of the individual allegedly overseeing this division, he indicated that the person is no longer affiliated with ABC News.
Historical Context of ABC News and Trump
The relationship between ABC News and Trump has been fraught with tension, highlighted by several controversies. Notably, in December 2024, ABC News settled a defamation lawsuit with Trump for $16 million, stemming from false claims made by anchor George Stephanopoulos regarding Trump's legal issues. This settlement included an apology from ABC News, which was reportedly sanctioned by then-Disney CEO Bob Iger.
Additionally, the network faced backlash for a misleading report by chief investigative correspondent Brian Ross, which contributed to a significant drop in the stock market and ultimately led to Ross's departure from the network.
Criticism of ABC News Practices
Bush's allegations have reignited discussions about media bias, particularly regarding how major news organizations report on political figures. Critics argue that such dedicated efforts to undermine a political candidate raise ethical questions about journalistic integrity. The dismissal of longtime correspondent Terry Moran for his social media comments about Trump and White House aide Stephen Miller further illustrates the contentious atmosphere surrounding ABC News and its coverage of Trump.
Official Responses and Future Implications
As of now, ABC News has not publicly addressed Bush's claims regarding the alleged anti-Trump division. The network's history of contentious interactions with Trump, including the significant financial settlement and public apologies, suggests ongoing challenges in navigating its relationship with the former president.
The implications of these allegations could extend beyond ABC News, potentially influencing public perception of media bias in political reporting as the 2024 election approaches. As the media landscape continues to evolve, the scrutiny of journalistic practices and their impact on political discourse remains a critical area of concern.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ABC News had a division. They had a division dedicated with 75 people in it — because I knew the guy who ran the division, which was dedicated to basically getting him,” — Billy Bush, Former TV Host
- “This was it! This was – there has always been an 'it' to get Trump, but this was definitely it at the time,” — Billy Bush, Former TV Host
