Trump Says TV Networks Against Him Should ‘Maybe’ Lose Licenses
U.S. President Donald Trump recently suggested that television networks which give him negative coverage “maybe” should lose their licenses. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump claimed about 97% of media coverage is bad toward him, yet he still won key states in the 2024 election.
“They give me only bad publicity,” Trump said. “I would think maybe their license should be taken away.” He referred to Brendan Carr, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), as a “patriot” who could take action on licensing.
Trump’s remarks followed ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! after Kimmel criticized conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death. The president’s comments raised concerns about press freedom and the independence of media regulators.
Critics, including civil liberties groups and former officials, warned that threatening to revoke licenses over critical reporting undermines First Amendment protections and democracy. They argued the government cannot punish media outlets simply for negative coverage.
Legal experts clarified that while local TV stations hold FCC licenses, major networks themselves do not. Removing licenses based on political bias would likely face constitutional challenges.
Trump’s statements continue a pattern of criticizing the media, raising debates on free speech and media accountability in the U.S.
