Trump Backs FCC Chair on Media Licenses

Former U.S. President Donald Trump on November 19, 2024, endorsed Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr's suggestion of revoking broadcast licenses from news organizations deemed to be reporting unfavorably on the conflict in Iran.

Trump stated on Truth Social that he was "thrilled" Carr was investigating the licenses of "Corrupt and Highly Unpatriotic 'News' Organizations" that he claimed use "Billions of Dollars of FREE American Airwaves" to disseminate "LIES." Carr had previously posted on X that broadcasters running "hoaxes and news distortions" must "correct course before their license renewals come up," asserting that they could lose licenses if they do not operate in the public interest.

Carr's remarks drew criticism from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, who cited First Amendment protections against government censorship of the press. Trump further alleged that Iran was "working in close coordination with the Fake News Media" to spread AI-generated images, including one depicting a U.S. aircraft carrier falsely burning at sea. He suggested that media outlets disseminating such information should face "Charges for TREASON."

This is not the first instance of Trump threatening broadcasters' licenses. Last year, he called for ABC News's license to be revoked over a reporter's question regarding the Epstein files. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also criticized the press on November 17, 2024, for what he termed unfavorable coverage, barring photographers from a briefing due to "unflattering" published images.