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By Robert Birsel
Reporter
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U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday called the ABC and NBC networks two of the "most biased" broadcasters ever and said the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) should revoke their licenses.
Why It Matters
Trump's return to the White House this year has brought a revival of his adversarial relationship with the media.
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As during his first stint in the White House—marked by repeated attacks on the "fake news" press—Trump's second term has featured similar run-ins with media institutions and practices.
Shortly after taking office, Trump implemented media changes affecting the White House press pool and access. He has frequently used the phrase "fake news" to dismiss unfavorable coverage and has been outspoken in his support for and criticism of specific outlets.
Trump's attacks have raised concerns among some in the industry who fear that access to truthful reporting will become increasingly difficult as credentials are revoked and outlets too favorable of the president may not provide full and impartial coverage.
Media outlets promote a healthy democracy by providing the public with fact-checked information, particularly on those in power, and offering essential context.
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What To Know
In a post on his Truth Social platform late on Sunday, Trump said: "Despite a very high popularity and, according to many, among the greatest 8 months in Presidential History, ABC & NBC FAKE NEWS, two of the worst and most biased networks in history, give me 97% BAD STORIES."
"IF THAT IS THE CASE, THEY ARE SIMPLY AN ARM OF THE DEMOCRAT PARTY AND SHOULD, ACCORDING TO MANY, HAVE THEIR LICENSES REVOKED BY THE FCC. I would be totally in favor of that because they are so biased and untruthful, an actual threat to our Democracy!!!" Trump wrote.
It was not immediately clear if Trump was reacting to any particular coverage by the networks, which he described as "two of the worst and most biased networks in history."
In a second post, Trump asked why the two networks were not paying "millions of dollars a year in license fees."
"They should lose their Licenses for their unfair coverage of Republicans and/or Conservatives, but at a minimum, they should pay up BIG for having the privilege of using the most valuable airwaves anywhere at anytime!!!" the president wrote.
Newsweek reached out to the FCC, NBC and ABC News, via its parent company Walt Disney, by email for comment outside business hours.
What People Are Saying
Trump, on Truth Social on Sunday, said: "Crooked 'journalism' should not be rewarded, it should be terminated!!!"
The White House Correspondents' Association said in a February 25 statement in reaction to White House changes affecting some journalists' access: "In a free country, leaders must not be able to choose their own press corps."
What Happens Next
The adversarial relationship between Trump and the media looks set to continue, especially if his poll ratings are falling in the run-up to 2026 midterm elections.
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