US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Nov 18) again urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to revoke the station’s licenses used by ABC affiliates after a reporter pressed him about his handling of files related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
“I think ABC should be delicensed because your news is so fake and it’s so bad,” Trump said during an Oval Office meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. “We have a great commissioner, the chairman, who should look at this.
Epstein’s questions provoke a confrontation
The exchange came as Trump faced increasing scrutiny over his past interactions with Epstein. Lawmakers released emails this week in which Epstein suggested Trump knew about his activities, raising new questions about the president’s stance.
On Tuesday, an ABC reporter asked Trump why — if he now supports releasing the files — he didn’t direct his administration to do so directly.
“I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein”
Trump has denied any connection to Epstein, repeating claims he has made publicly in recent years.
“As far as the Epstein files go, I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein,” Trump said. “I kicked him out of my club many years ago because I thought he was a sick pervert. But I guess I was proven right.”
Cancel when releasing files
The administration has refused to release certain Epstein-related documents and initially opposed legislation requiring the Justice Department to hand them over. Trump changed his position only after it became clear that a bipartisan majority in the House would force the issue.
A vote on the measure is expected Tuesday.
