Trump Suggests Revoking Licenses of TV Networks Critical of His Coverage

• Sep 19, 2025

President Donald Trump on Thursday suggested that television networks covering him negatively should “maybe” have their broadcast licenses revoked. His remarks came just one day after ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show following controversial comments the comedian made during a recent monologue.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning from London, Trump accused major broadcast networks of giving him “only bad publicity or press.” He added, “I mean, they’re getting a license. I would think maybe their license should be taken away. It will be up to Brendan Carr,” referencing the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Kimmel’s suspension followed remarks he made about the suspect in the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. During his monologue, Kimmel said “the MAGA gang” was trying to portray Kirk’s killer as “anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”

FCC chairman Brendan Carr had earlier told podcaster Benny Johnson that Kimmel’s comments posed “a very, very serious issue right now for Disney,” which owns ABC. Carr warned, “These companies can find ways to take action on Kimmel, or there is going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.”

Following ABC’s decision, Trump praised the network for suspending Kimmel and went further, saying other late-night comedians such as NBC’s Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers should also be taken off the air. He claimed networks haven’t featured conservatives for years and argued, “All they do is hit Trump. They’re licensed. They’re not allowed to do that.”

The FCC, however, has limited authority over program content. The agency issues eight-year licenses to broadcast stations but is barred by both the First Amendment and the Communications Act from censoring material. On its website, the FCC makes clear that its role in regulating on-air content is “very limited.”

This is not the first time Trump has raised the idea of revoking broadcast licenses. Just last month, he accused NBC and ABC of giving him “97% BAD STORIES” and said he would be “totally in favor” of pulling their licenses. Despite criticism from some conservatives who believe Carr overstepped in pressuring ABC, Trump praised him, saying, “I think Brendan Carr is doing a great job.”