Trump Demands License Revocation for Networks That Snubbed His Primetime Speech

President Donald Trump unleashed fury on ABC and NBC, demanding their licenses be revoked for not airing his primetime speech live.

During the Thursday address, Trump accused these networks of being “part of a plot” with other media outlets, asserting they “knew what [the speech] was about” but chose not to broadcast it live due to their disdain for the topic.

This threat echoes previous warnings from FCC chair Brendan Carr, particularly aimed at ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel after controversial remarks regarding the 2025 death of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.

In April, Trump pressured ABC to fire Kimmel over a joke about the first lady, prompting the FCC to initiate an unprecedented review of all station licenses owned by the network. The agency cited concerns that Disney violated FCC rules, including prohibitions against unlawful discrimination. An investigation into Disney was also launched in early 2025 following Trump’s executive order banning DEI programs in the federal government.

ABC retaliated, accusing the administration of undermining free speech rights after the FCC announced an investigation into “The View” for a potential violation of the equal time rule.

Trump's administration has ramped up attacks on journalists and press freedom, frequently attempting to intimidate and silence media members.

However, the FCC would encounter significant hurdles if it attempted to strip a TV network of its license. To revoke ABC’s broadcast licenses, the agency must demonstrate that the network abused rules and engaged in misconduct.

Moreover, skipping a president’s primetime address is not without precedent. In 2022, networks opted not to air then-President Joe Biden’s address, deeming it too “political.” Major networks also bypassed former President Barack Obama’s 2014 immigration address.