President Donald Trump on Thursday suggested that news organizations broadcasting over public airwaves should have their operating licenses revoked by the Federal Communications Commission for unfavorable coverage.
Trump’s remarks, made to reporters aboard Air Force One, came in the wake of ABC pulling Jimmy Kimmel off the air after pressure from the FCC over remarks the late-night host made about the president and Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
“I read someplace that the networks were 97% against me,” Trump said. “They’re getting a license. I would think, maybe, their license should be taken away.”
The president added that the decision “will be up to Brendan Carr,” the Republican chairman of the independent commission who is closely aligned with Trump and has celebrated Kimmel’s sidelining. Unlike paid cable channels and streaming services, broadcast stations that operate over public airwaves and are free — ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox — require FCC licenses to operate.
Carr made vague threats to ABC after Kimmel linked Kirk’s alleged shooter to Trump’s MAGA brand. ABC local affiliates are owned by parent company Nexstar, which is seeking FCC approval for a $6.2 billion merger with rival Tegna, prompting accusations that the federal government is using its influence to stifle free speech and Trump critics.
ABC PULLS JIMMY KIMMEL INDEFINITELY FOLLOWING CHARLIE KIRK COMMENTS
Trump has long made licensing threats to broadcast outlets he deems unfair, which stretch back to his first term in office.
“When you go back and take a look, all they do is hit Trump,” the president said Thursday. “They’re licensed. They’re not allowed to do that.”