US President Donald Trump has accused ABC and NBC of spreading ‘fake news’ and called for the networks to be ‘made smaller,’ labeling them as a ‘virtual arm of the Democrat Party.’ This marks another escalation in his ongoing criticism of mainstream media, which he claims is biased against his administration.
The remarks came in response to a Newsmax story alleging that FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is pushing for greater reach for television networks and a merger between Nexstar Media Group and Tegna Inc. Trump has intensified his criticism of the media in recent weeks, even as his administration has sought to restrict press access and exert greater control over media coverage. This latest accusation adds to a growing list of issues where Trump has targeted the media, including threats against ABC-owned local stations following jokes by late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel.
The dispute has further complicated Trump’s relationship with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which has remained firm in its stance, with Commissioner Anna Gomez stating that revoking broadcast licenses over a reporter’s question would not hold up legally. FCC head Brendan Carr has maintained that the agency is ‘open-minded’ and focused on upholding public-interest standards for broadcasters.
Trump’s post was a direct response to a Newsmax report that claimed the FCC is moving to give television networks greater reach and advance a merger between Nexstar Media Group and Tegna Inc. The allegations have reignited tensions within the Trump administration, as his critics argue that the media has become a key battleground for political influence and control. This has led to a broader conflict between the executive branch and regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing media operations.
As the debate over media influence continues to escalate, the situation raises significant questions about the role of the press in democratic governance. While the FCC has maintained its position that it does not grant licenses to national networks, Trump’s rhetoric has highlighted the ongoing challenge of balancing free speech with the need for accountability in media reporting.
The administration’s push to restrict press access and tighten control over coverage has been met with resistance from both within and outside the government, with calls for transparency and independence in media operations. As Trump continues to make headlines with his controversial statements, the debate over media bias and political influence remains a central issue in American journalism and public discourse.