Trump accuses ABC, NBC and CNN of ‘conspiracy’ after networks skip his prime-time speech | Today’s news
US President Donald Trump has accused major television stations of conspiring against him after ABC, NBC and CNN refused to air his keynote address on their primary television platforms, reigniting the debate over media independence, presidential reporting and First Amendment protections.
The speech, delivered four months before the US mid-term elections, largely focused on election security and Trump’s long-standing claims of voter fraud. The decision by some broadcasters not to broadcast the speech live prompted Trump to call for their broadcast licenses to be revoked.
Here’s what happened and why it matters.
What happened?
Quick answers to key questions
•5 QUESTIONS
Networks such as ABC, NBC and CNN chose not to air Trump’s speech live because of his focus on controversial claims about election fraud and security that have been widely rejected by courts and officials.
Trump alleged that China had committed “the largest election data compromise in history” by obtaining 220 million American voter registrations and claimed that it was trying to interfere in the election.
No, the federal government cannot revoke broadcast licenses based solely on dissatisfaction with editorial decisions because broadcasters are protected under the First Amendment.
Trump has targeted alleged vulnerabilities in the US election system, citing claims of foreign interference, vote-by-mail fraud and third-party registration.
CBS aired the speech live but interrupted to fact-check Trump’s statement, while Fox News broadcast it without interruption, suggesting different approaches to covering the disputed claims.
Trump gave a nationally televised speech on Thursday that focused on election security, foreign interference and the upcoming midterm elections.
However, unlike many presidential addresses, ABC, NBC and CNN did not carry the speech on their flagship television networks.
ABC News aired the speech on ABC News Live and aired it on ABC News Radio, but not on its main television channel.
NBC News aired the address on its NBC News NOW streaming service while skipping it on the NBC broadcast network.
CNN made the speech available through its website and subscription streaming platform CNN All Access, saying it would follow the news notes rather than televising the speech in its entirety.
Streaming platforms generally reach significantly fewer viewers than traditional television broadcasts.
Why did Trump criticize the networks?
During his speech, Trump accused broadcasters of deliberately refusing to air his remarks.
“In a rare move, NBC and ABC fake news have both said they will not cover this speech,” Trump said.
He added that broadcasters refusing to broadcast the address were part of a “conspiracy” and argued that such actions should lead to the withdrawal of their broadcasting licences.
Trump has repeatedly criticized mainstream media organizations throughout his political career, often accusing them of political bias.
Can the president revoke the licenses of television networks?
Media law experts told Reuters that broadcasters have broad protections under the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech and freedom of the press.
While local television stations operate under licenses issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the federal government cannot simply revoke licenses because it disagrees with editorial decisions.
Historically, major networks have often aired presidential speeches because they are considered matters of public importance. However, there is no legal requirement that broadcasters carry every presidential address.
Why did some networks decide not to air the speech?
Although the networks have not publicly given a single reason, the speech focused on election security — a topic Trump has repeatedly argued has been rejected by courts, election officials and previous intelligence assessments.
During Trump’s speech:
He claimed to have declassified intelligence showing Chinese meddling in the US election.
Allegations of widespread election fraud revived.
Repeated claims about postal voting, voting machines and non-citizen voting.
Previous investigations by US intelligence agencies have found no evidence that China changed the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, in which Trump lost to Democrat Joe Biden.
Some Democrats, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, publicly urged television networks not to air the speech, saying it was likely to repeat debunked campaign claims.
How did other networks respond?
CBS
CBS interrupted its regular broadcast to air Trump’s speech live.
Before the broadcast, host Tony Dokoupil told viewers that many of Trump’s previous statements about election security had been false, but said the network considered the address newsworthy.
About 15 minutes into the speech, CBS cut away from the live broadcast to fact-check Trump’s claim.
Fox News broadcast the president’s speech live, with several local Fox affiliates also covering the address.
Why is this happening now?
The dispute comes at a time of heightened tension between the Trump administration and major US media companies.
ABC’s parent company, Disney, is facing two FCC investigations, including one that looked into whether The View violated equal time rules after interviewing a Democratic Senate candidate.
According to Reuters, the FCC could begin proceedings to revoke the licenses of Disney-owned ABC television stations as early as next month.
Trump has also repeatedly attacked NBC and its parent company Comcast, calling it “Concast.” Last month, he ended an interview with NBC reporter Kristen Welker after criticizing the network’s reporting.
Meanwhile, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is investigating Comcast and NBC over their diversity practices, adding to the regulatory scrutiny the company faces.
