Trump Suggests Revoking Broadcast Licenses Amidst Media Scrutiny and Kimmel Controversy

President Donald Trump has suggested the federal government may revoke the licenses of broadcast television networks he deems “against” him, a move that could significantly escalate tensions between the administration and major media outlets. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One on September 18, 2025, Trump specifically criticized networks for what he called overwhelmingly negative coverage, pointing to late-night hosts like Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert.

This latest pronouncement follows ABC’s recent suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” after the host made controversial remarks linking a conservative activist’s alleged killer to Trump’s MAGA movement. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, had previously hinted that ABC’s broadcast license was at risk if it didn’t address the Kimmel situation. Trump endorsed Carr’s stance, stating, “I think Brendan Carr is outstanding, he’s a patriot… So we’ll have to see.”

Trump argued that networks, which operate under FCC licenses, are “not allowed” to be an “arm of the Democrat party” and provide only “bad publicity.” The president indicated that the decision on license revocation “will be up to Brendan Carr.” Broadcast television stations, unlike cable networks, require FCC licenses to transmit content over public airwaves. The President’s remarks signal a potential major challenge to media independence and regulatory oversight.

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