US President Donald Trump has accused ABC and NBC of disseminating “fake news” and suggested that the networks should be “made smaller.”
US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized national broadcasters ABC and NBC, alleging they function as spokespersons for the Democratic Party. These remarks represent the most recent instance in Trump’s intensifying condemnation of mainstream media, which he claims consistently misrepresents coverage to benefit his adversaries.
On Sunday, via his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that television networks ought to be prevented from expanding, pointing to what he described as the increasing sway of left-leaning news organizations.
Trump declared, “If this would also allow the Radical Left Networks to ‘enlarge,’ I would not be happy. ABC & NBC, in particular, are a disaster – A VIRTUAL ARM OF THE DEMOCRAT PARTY,” adding, “They should be viewed as an illegal campaign to the Radical Left. NO EXPANSION OF THE FAKE NEWS NETWORKS. If anything, make them SMALLER!”
Trump’s statement was prompted by a Newsmax report indicating that Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr is working to extend the reach of television networks and facilitate a merger between Nexstar Media Group and Tegna Inc.
In recent weeks, Trump has escalated his persistent criticisms of the news media, even as his administration takes steps to limit journalistic access and impose stricter oversight on reporting.
This criticism has extended beyond national broadcasters. Following late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s joke concerning the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Carr threatened to review – and potentially revoke – the broadcast licenses held by ABC-owned local stations and their affiliates.
Last week, Trump reiterated his demand for the FCC to revoke ABC’s broadcast licenses, thereby intensifying a dispute that has simmered since his first term. This most recent confrontation stemmed from an inquiry by an ABC News reporter, who questioned him about his management of files linked to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein – an exchange that led Trump to accuse the network of promoting politically motivated narratives.
Last week, FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez stated that revoking broadcast licenses due to a reporter’s question would not be legally sustainable, pointing out that networks themselves do not possess licenses, and none of their individual station licenses are due for renewal in the near future.
When questioned about Trump’s insistence on revoking ABC station licenses, FCC Chairman Carr reiterated his appeal to reinforce public-interest standards for broadcasters, stating that the commission remained “open-minded.”
The FCC, an independent body, issues eight-year licenses to individual stations, rather than to national networks.