Eric Trump Calls for FCC Probe into ABC News Over Botched Story
Eric Trump voiced support for an investigation into ABC News, citing an erroneous report about his family's investments.
Eric Trump has publicly backed a call for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to investigate ABC News over a recently retracted and revised news report concerning his family's business dealings. The report, initially published with the headline "Trump sons' investments have won billions in Pentagon contracts since his election," was later deleted and then republished with significant corrections.
Senator Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, initiated the call for an FCC probe, sending a letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. Moreno questioned whether ABC News violated its obligations as a broadcaster with the erroneous report. Eric Trump shared his support for Moreno's initiative on social media platform X, stating, "Thank you @berniemoreno — can’t wait to participate!"
He further criticized the network's handling of the story, asserting, "You can’t publish a bulls**t hit-piece, let it spread and go viral, then delete it 24 hours later, under the cover of darkness with no explanation or apology. Who approved it? Has the author been fired? @ABC owes us answers."
The original ABC News report examined investments tied to Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., alleging that companies connected to them had secured billions in government contracts, citing venture capital firm 1789 Capital. Moreno specifically challenged the report's portrayal of Anduril Industries' financing, arguing that the network misrepresented the company's investment activity.
The controversy highlighted a discrepancy in the reporting regarding 1789 Capital's investment in Anduril. The initial report suggested a $2.5 billion investment by 1789 Capital, which is associated with Trump Jr., while the corrected version clarified that this figure represented Anduril's broader fundraising round and that 1789 Capital's actual investment was approximately $50 million.
ABC News republished a revised version of the article on Friday. The updated report acknowledged errors related to investments, government contracts, and the timeline of events. It also clarified that Donald Trump Jr. is not involved in the firm's investment decision-making committee. The new headline reads, "New shipyard announced amid earlier Democratic concerns about potential conflicts of interest," and the byline was changed to "ABC News."
Sources indicated to Fox News Digital that an ABC News journalist involved with the story had initially defended its accuracy before its deletion. Reports also suggest that editors stood by the story initially, contrary to claims that it was published prematurely. ABC News did not immediately respond to requests for comment.