President Donald Trump has intensified his attacks on mainstream media, threatening to strip broadcast licenses from television networks that provide what he considers unfavorable coverage of his administration.
During a press briefing aboard Air Force One following his return from a state visit to the United Kingdom, Trump told reporters he had seen reports indicating networks were “97 percent against” him. “If they’re 97 percent against and they give me only bad publicity, and they’re getting a license, I would think maybe their license should be taken away,” the President stated.
The comments came amid controversy surrounding late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel, whose show was temporarily pulled from ABC’s schedule following disputed remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and Trump’s response to the incident.
Trump specifically targeted late-night programming, claiming these shows have excluded conservative voices for years. “If you go back and you see they haven’t had a conservative on in years… all they do is hit Trump,” he said. “They’re licensed. They’re not allowed to do that. They are an arm of the Democrat Party.”
The President indicated that any licensing decisions would ultimately rest with Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, whom he described as someone who “loves our country and he’s a tough guy.”
The dispute originated when Kimmel incorrectly characterized the alleged shooter of Charlie Kirk as a conservative supporter, claiming the “MAGA gang” was trying to distance themselves from the perpetrator. Law enforcement sources later indicated the suspect, Tyler Robinson, had expressed sympathy for far-left ideologies. Kimmel also criticized Trump’s response to Kirk’s death, particularly his transition from mourning his “friend” to discussing White House construction projects.
Widespread Condemnation
The President’s licensing threats drew sharp criticism from across the political spectrum. Former President Barack Obama condemned the move, stating: “After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by threatening regulatory action against media companies.”
Late-night television hosts, typically rivals for ratings, united in opposition to the administration’s actions. Stephen Colbert of CBS’s “The Late Show” called Kimmel’s temporary cancellation a “blatant assault” on freedom of speech, while NBC’s Jimmy Fallon expressed solidarity with his colleague.
Television networks including NBC, CBS, Fox, and ABC require Federal Communications Commission licenses to broadcast over public airwaves, making them subject to regulatory oversight.
Legal Setbacks Continue
Meanwhile, Trump faced another legal defeat as a Florida judge dismissed his $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times. The case centered on reporting about Trump’s role on “The Apprentice” and claims that producer Mark Burnett helped create his celebrity image. Judge Steven D. Merryday rejected the lawsuit, citing excessive length and lack of merit in the filing.
The escalating tensions between the Trump administration and news media represent a significant flashpoint in ongoing debates over press freedom and government regulation of broadcast journalism.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.
