President Donald Trump has launched a late-night attack on ABC and NBC News, calling them “fake news” and suggesting the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) should revoke their broadcast licenses. The president accused the networks of “97 percent negative coverage,” a figure he did not cite from an official source.
“They are simply an arm of the Democrat Party and should, according to many, have their licenses revoked,” Trump wrote in a social media post. “Crooked journalism should not be rewarded, it should be terminated.”
Trump’s Criticism of Media Coverage
Trump claimed the networks’ coverage of him is overwhelmingly biased. While he cited 97 percent, a Media Research Center report earlier found that 92 percent of the coverage in his first 100 days was negative. The president argued that their alleged bias makes them “an actual threat to our democracy.”
Trump followed up by saying he would be “totally in favor” of the FCC stepping in. He added that the networks should “pay up big” for using America’s public airwaves.
First Amendment Concerns
ABC and NBC do not directly hold FCC licenses for news programming. Instead, local affiliates that broadcast their content are licensed by the FCC. According to the Federal Communications Commission, licenses cannot be revoked over claims of political bias without violating First Amendment protections.
Legal experts note that attempts to pull licenses based on coverage have failed in the past. Courts have repeatedly ruled that even strongly critical reporting is protected under free speech and press freedoms.
Ongoing Feud With Media
This is not the first time Trump has clashed with the press. In 2024, he settled a defamation lawsuit with ABC for $15 million. He also had a long relationship with NBC before politics, having hosted the reality show “The Apprentice.”
Despite his attacks, broadcast outlets remain protected by constitutional law. Critics warn that Trump’s comments could further escalate tensions between the White House and major media organizations ahead of the 2025 election cycle.