Trump threatens to revoke broadcast network licenses over negative coverage after Jimmy Kimmel suspension

President Donald Trump suggested Thursday, September 18, that the federal government might revoke broadcast television licenses for networks that oppose him. The comments came during a press gaggle aboard Air Force One, one day after ABC suspended "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" following the host's controversial remarks about Charlie Kirk's assassination.

"I have read someplace that the networks were 97% against me, again, 97% negative, and yet I won and easily, all seven swing states," Trump said, referring to his 2024 election victory.

"They give me only bad publicity, press. I mean, they're getting a license," Trump said, according to audio provided by the White House. "I would think maybe their license should be taken away."


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ABC suspends Jimmy Kimmel after Charlie Kirk comments

The licensing discussion follows ABC's decision to suspend "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" after the host made comments linking the alleged killer of conservative activist Charlie Kirk to Trump's MAGA movement. Charlie Kirk was assassinated at Utah Valley University on September 10, sparking national debate about political rhetoric and violence.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr had hinted Wednesday that ABC's broadcast license could be at risk if the network did not "take action on Kimmel." ABC, a subsidiary of Disney, subsequently suspended the late-night program.

FCC Chairman Carr signals support for Trump's media crackdown

Trump indicated that broadcast license decisions would fall to Carr, whom he nominated to lead the FCC. "The decision will be up to Brendan Carr," Trump stated during the Air Force One press conference.

Carr told CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" Thursday that "we're not done yet" with changes in "the media ecosystem" following Trump's election. The FCC chairman's comments suggest ongoing scrutiny of broadcast networks critical of the administration.

"I think Brendan Carr is outstanding, he's a patriot," Trump said. "He loves our country, and he's a tough guy. So we'll have to see."

President targets late-night television shows for licensing review

Trump specifically criticized late-night television programming, mentioning both Kimmel and CBS host Stephen Colbert as examples of biased coverage. The president argued that such programming violates broadcasting standards for licensed networks.

"Look, that's something that should be talked about for licensing, too," Trump said. "When you have a network and you have evening shows, and all they do is hit Trump. That's all they do. If you go back, I guess they haven't had a conservative on in years or something, somebody said."

Also read: 'Zero talent': Trump cheers Jimmy Kimmel’s ABC axe, now wants NBC to do the same with Jimmy Fallon and Set

"But when you go back, take a look, all they do is hit Trump. They're licensed. They're not allowed to do that. They're an arm of the Democrat party," Trump added.

Broadcast television licensing requirements and federal oversight

Broadcast television stations affiliated with major networks including ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox must obtain FCC licenses to operate because their content transmits over public airwaves. These stations provide free programming to viewers with antennas, distinguishing them from cable networks whose subscribers pay distribution fees.

The licensing requirement gives the federal government regulatory authority over broadcast content and programming decisions. Cable television networks operate under different regulatory frameworks and face fewer content restrictions than their broadcast counterparts.