Former President Donald Trump has called for the broadcasting licenses of networks that did not air his recent primetime speech live to be revoked. Trump made the accusation during his speech on Thursday, stating that networks like ABC and NBC were "part of a plot" with other media organizations.
He argued that these networks "knew what [the speech] was about" but chose not to air it live "because of the fact that they don’t like the topic."
This threat echoes actions taken by FCC Chair Brendan Carr during Trump's presidency, including a notable instance involving ABC's Jimmy Kimmel after remarks made about a conservative activist. In April, following Trump's demand that ABC fire Kimmel for a joke about the first lady, the FCC initiated a review of all station licenses owned by ABC's parent company, Disney. The agency cited concerns about potential violations of FCC rules, including prohibitions against unlawful discrimination. An investigation into Disney was also launched in early 2025 after Trump signed an executive order that banned diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government. ABC had previously alleged that the administration was attempting to curtail free speech rights after the FCC announced it was investigating "The View" for a possible violation of the equal time rule.
Trump and his administration have intensified their criticism of journalists and press freedom in recent months, with frequent attempts to intimidate and silence members of the media.
However, revoking a TV network's license presents significant legal hurdles for the FCC. The agency would need to demonstrate that the network had abused rules and engaged in misconduct. Furthermore, the decision by networks not to air a presidential address is not unprecedented. In 2022, networks declined to broadcast an address by then-President Joe Biden, deeming it too "political," according to The Washington Post. Major TV networks also opted not to air former President Barack Obama’s 2014 address on immigration.