What did Trump say about NBC and ABC?

US President Donald Trump escalated his feud with the media on Sunday, threatening that NBC and ABC could lose their broadcast licenses over what he described as “biased and untruthful” coverage.

In a Truth Social post, Trump called the networks “two of the worst and most biased in history,” claiming they publish “97 percent bad stories” about him despite what he hailed as “among the greatest eight months in Presidential History.”

He argued that the networks act as “an arm of the Democrat Party” and suggested the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) should revoke their licenses. “I would be totally in favor of that because they are so biased and untruthful, an actual threat to our Democracy!!!” Trump wrote.

Can the president actually strip broadcast licenses?

The FCC, not the president, oversees broadcast licenses for local television stations. Licenses are granted for eight-year terms and must be periodically renewed. Revocation is rare and usually tied to issues like technical violations or failure to serve local communities, not editorial content.

While Trump cannot directly revoke licenses, his statements put pressure on regulators. During his first term in 2017, he similarly questioned whether NBC should lose its license after it reported that he wanted a larger nuclear arsenal—something he denied.

Legal experts have consistently argued that stripping licenses based on news content would face serious First Amendment challenges. The courts have historically rejected government efforts to punish outlets for critical reporting.

Why is Trump targeting these networks now?

Trump’s latest threats come against the backdrop of several high-profile legal disputes with major broadcasters:

• In July 2025, he reached a $16 million settlement with CBS News shortly before the FCC approved a major merger involving CBS parent Paramount Global and Skydance Media.
• He also recently settled a $15 million defamation case with ABC, marking another victory in his campaign against what he calls “fake news.”

Trump has long accused mainstream outlets of misrepresenting his record. By raising the possibility of FCC action, he reinforces his narrative that the media establishment is working against him.

How is the FCC responding?

The current FCC Chairman, Brendan Carr, a Republican, has already opened investigations into Comcast’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and NBC’s relationship with its affiliates.

NBC is owned by NBCUniversal, a division of Comcast, while ABC is part of The Walt Disney Company. Although Trump’s remarks align with some ongoing probes, the FCC has not announced any moves to revoke licenses.

Any attempt to strip licenses over political bias would invite immediate legal challenges and spark constitutional debates about press freedom. Consider adding a timeline graphic here showing Trump’s major clashes with news outlets and FCC oversight actions.

What do polls say about Trump’s standing?

A recent Economist/YouGov poll found that 56 percent of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of his presidency, while 40 percent approve.

This split reflects the broader polarization shaping his media battles. Trump’s allies see his attacks on broadcasters as justified pushback against bias, while critics view them as authoritarian attempts to muzzle the press.

A useful chart here could compare Trump’s approval ratings against public trust in major TV networks, underscoring how media credibility and political popularity intersect.

Why does this matter for media and democracy?

The episode highlights a recurring tension in American politics: the balance between government power and press freedom.

• For the media: Even if Trump cannot revoke licenses, presidential threats risk chilling coverage and signaling regulatory retaliation against critical reporting.
• For democracy: Independent journalism is a core safeguard. Attempts to penalize networks for negative coverage could erode protections enshrined in the First Amendment.
• For viewers: These clashes fuel distrust in traditional news sources, pushing more Americans toward partisan platforms and social media ecosystems.

The stakes extend beyond Trump, touching on whether political leaders can influence the regulatory environment to punish dissenting voices.

What happens next?

Trump’s remarks are likely to amplify calls from his supporters to hold media accountable, while also intensifying legal and constitutional scrutiny. Any FCC decision to act on such threats would face protracted court battles.

For now, the confrontation underscores how central the media has become to Trump’s political strategy. With ongoing investigations into Comcast and Disney-owned networks, and Trump’s track record of costly settlements, broadcasters will remain at the center of his campaign-style battles heading into the next political cycle.