Category: Attack the Press

Trump Demands NBC ABC License Revocation Over Primetime Speech

Donald Trump demanded that NBC and ABC have their broadcast licenses revoked for declining to air his Thursday night primetime address on their primary television channels, falsely characterizing the networks’ editorial decision as part of a “plot” to hide information from the public. Both networks carried the speech live on their streaming platforms (NBC News NOW and ABC News Live) and aired detailed summaries after Trump concluded, but Trump attacked them anyway for not broadcasting it on their main channels, stating that “fraud like this should mean a revocation of their licenses.” White House communications director Steven Cheung amplified the demand, calling the networks “cowards” on social media.

Trump’s attack on broadcast licenses represents an escalation of his systematic pressure on media outlets through regulatory threats. Trump has previously weaponized FCC regulatory power against late-night hosts, calling for their termination and celebrating their departures, while FCC Chair Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, has threatened broadcasters’ licenses in response to presidential complaints about coverage. Carr is currently investigating whether ABC’s talk show The View qualifies as a “bona fide news program” under equal time rules, using regulatory authority to punish editorial independence.

In the 23-minute address, Trump made unsubstantiated claims about election security, alleging without evidence that China conducted “the largest compromise of election data in history” and that American elections remain vulnerable to foreign interference. He accused unnamed national security officials of concealing information about election security while offering no documentation to support these assertions. Much of the “stolen” election data Trump referenced is publicly available for commercial purchase by political campaigns, undermining his claims of a security breach.

CNN declined to air the speech live, with anchor Kaitlan Collins stating the network would “monitor” Trump’s remarks to fact-check statements given his “well-documented history of saying blatantly false things about elections,” while Fox News broadcast the full address. Trump’s demand for license revocation targets networks that exercised editorial judgment about primetime coverage, using the presidency to punish outlets for decisions that displeased him and demonstrating contempt for the independence of broadcast journalism.



(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-election-fraud-address-nbc-abc-licence-b3016842.html)

Trump Suggests Images of Iran School Bombing Were AI

President Donald Trump suggested during a Fox News interview Tuesday that images documenting a U.S. airstrike on an Iranian school may have been artificially generated, deflecting from mounting evidence that American missiles killed at least 150 people, including approximately 120 children. When confronted with photographic evidence showing fragments consistent with U.S. Tomahawk missiles at the strike site, Trump dismissed the documentation as potentially “AI generated” without providing any basis for the claim.

Trump declined to commit to releasing the findings of his administration’s ongoing investigation into the bombing, telling Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst that “I don’t think anybody’s going to ever be able to say what happened there.” When pressed on whether he would eventually disclose the results, Trump offered only a noncommittal “I guess so” and suggested his “military people” might have undisclosed reasons to withhold findings.

Internal administration sources previously told The New York Times that officials believed the school was struck by U.S. missiles, contradicting the initial public claim that Iran was responsible. Trump has explicitly rejected negotiations to end the Iran conflict, stating he does not want to pursue diplomatic solutions while simultaneously obscuring accountability for civilian casualties.

Trump’s dismissal of physical evidence as fabricated and his refusal to guarantee transparency on a catastrophic attack killing over 100 children demonstrates his systematic obstruction of accountability for actions taken under his authority. His administration has escalated military actions against Iran, including reimposing a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, while simultaneously suppressing documentation of civilian harm resulting from those operations.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-suggests-images-of-iran-school-bombing-were-ai-generated-doesnt-commit-to-releasing-results-of-investigation/)neously suppressing documentation of civilian harm resulting from those operations.

Trump Attacks Haberman, Swan, Demands Media Worship Him

President Trump launched a lengthy Truth Social attack against journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, authors of the book “Regime Change,” which documents his second administration. Trump called Haberman “one of the most unattractive people in the News Business” and Swan a “lightweight assistant,” demanding media outlets instead declare him the “BEST POLITICAL ATHLETE OF ALL TIME” and cease critical coverage. The attack reflects Trump’s pattern of weaponizing his platform against journalists documenting his presidency.

In his post, Trump falsely claimed he won the 2024 election by a “historic landslide” against both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, citing county and Electoral College numbers while attacking the “Failing New York Times” and other outlets for their coverage. He demanded media outlets acknowledge his electoral victory and abandon what he characterized as a decade of inaccurate reporting, stating they should concede defeat rather than continue scrutinizing his administration. Trump’s claims about election outcomes contradict documented results and reflect his documented pattern of denying electoral losses.

Trump extended his assault to multiple news organizations, including CNN, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, and NBC, characterizing them collectively as “FAKE NEWS” with no credibility. He claimed these outlets’ “Readership, Ratings, and Viewership are tanking” because the public recognizes their alleged dishonesty, and he demanded they stop publishing what he termed “inaccurate, false articles.” This attack on press freedom aligns with his documented pattern of demanding treason charges against media outlets for unfavorable coverage.

The tirade reveals Trump’s authoritarian demand for uncritical media coverage and absolute loyalty from institutions meant to maintain independence. His insistence that journalists declare him victorious and cease reporting reflects an expectation of state-controlled media rather than a free press operating in a democracy. This pattern mirrors his cultivation of unquestioning loyalty from close aides, extending the demand for total deference to the media landscape.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-slams-lightweight-jonathan-swan-as-he-declares-himself-best-political-athlete-of-all-time/)

Trump Demands Praise in Maggie Haberman Tirade

President Trump posted an extended tirade on Truth Social attacking journalist Maggie Haberman for her forthcoming book “Regime Change,” co-written with New York Times reporter Jonathan Swan, which documents his second administration. The book details scenes of Trump supergluing gold Fabergés in the Oval Office, cabinet members discussing the Epstein files, and a White House bedroom scattered with fast food wrappers, among other unflattering portrayals.

Trump demanded the book include effusive praise that never materialized, complaining in all-caps that Haberman failed to write passages acknowledging his victory or apologizing for prior criticism. He demanded language such as “TRUMP IS THE BEST POLITICAL ATHLETE OF ALL TIME” and “CONGRATULATIONS, MR. PRESIDENT. YOU HAVE BEATEN US FOR 10 YEARS,” framing his expectation that media outlets capitulate to his narrative as a baseline journalistic duty.

In his post, Trump attacked Haberman personally, calling her “Maggot Hagerman,” and branded the New York Times “The Failing New York Times.” He also used the post to attack Democrats broadly, labeling them “Dumocrats” who “are, generally, stupid people” and baselessly accusing them of planning a transition to communism as the 2026 midterms approach. This follows a pattern of Trump demanding absolute verbal alignment from officials, expecting staff and media alike to repeat his exact phrasing without deviation.

The outburst reflects Trump’s documented obsession with controlling his public image and punishing journalists who document his conduct without flattery. Trump surrounds himself with enablers who provide constant positive reinforcement, and his anger at Haberman’s independent reporting underscores his intolerance for any account that does not present him as infallible or triumphant.



(Source: https://www.rawstory.com/trump-maggie-haberman-truth-social/)

Trump DOJ Subpoenas NY Times Journalists Over Qatar Jet Report

Trump’s Justice Department issued subpoenas to multiple New York Times journalists, compelling their testimony before a federal grand jury in New York City on Wednesday. Federal agents delivered subpoenas to reporters’ homes, citing vague allegations of “alleged violation of federal criminal law,” following the Times’ reporting on security deficiencies in the Qatar-gifted Boeing 747 designated for presidential use, which lacks advanced security features standard to Air Force One.

The New York Times denounced the subpoenas as a “brazen act” designed to intimidate journalists and suppress reporting on matters of public interest. The administration provided no specific explanation for the criminal allegations or the targeting of individual reporters, leaving the stated basis for the grand jury investigation opaque.

This action exemplifies Trump’s documented pattern of weaponizing federal law enforcement against the press. The subpoenas represent a direct assault on First Amendment protections, using the machinery of criminal justice to silence coverage of presidential conduct and security vulnerabilities affecting national assets. The Qatari 747 arrangement itself reflects Trump’s corruption, accepting a foreign government gift to replace Air Force One, raising immediate questions about quid pro quo arrangements and Trump’s financial interests abroad.

The targeting of journalists represents an escalation in Trump’s authoritarian governance. By prosecuting the messengers rather than addressing the substantive security failures they reported, Trump demonstrates contempt for accountability and the constitutional safeguards protecting a free press from executive retaliation.



(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/trump-new-york-times-reporters-qatari-air-force-one-b3013194.html)

FCC Investigation Halts View Political Candidate Bookings

The Federal Communications Commission under Chairman Brendan Carr launched an investigation in February into whether ABC’s daytime talk show “The View” violated the “equal time” rule, a 1930s regulation requiring broadcast programs to provide equal airtime to opposing candidates when featuring political candidates for public office. The mere threat of regulatory action has proven sufficient to alter the show’s editorial decisions without any formal FCC demands or rulings.

Since Carr’s announcement, “The View” has not booked a single political candidate running in a competitive midterm race, marking a dramatic shift from the program’s decades-long role as a premier campaign stop. The show recently rebuffed invitations for Democratic congressional nominees Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez, citing caution regarding the ongoing FCC inquiry as one reason among others. While ABC’s spokesperson claims the show qualifies as a “bona fide news program” exempt from equal time rules, the network has chosen to restrict candidate appearances regardless of that legal argument.

Carr’s aggressive regulatory posture extends beyond “The View,” with his threats influencing which candidates appear on late-night talk shows across CBS, NBC, and ABC. A San Francisco radio station similarly curtailed political coverage after facing FCC scrutiny for reporting on immigration enforcement operations, demoting an anchor and discouraging reporters from pursuing stories that might attract regulatory attention. Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez denounced the agency’s conduct as a “censorship and control campaign” designed to alter media behavior through fear rather than formal rulemaking, noting that broadcasters are instructing staff to avoid triggering FCC action.

The regulatory pressure has complicated Democratic campaign access to traditional media during a critical election cycle. Multiple Democratic officials privately expressed concern that Carr’s equal time push will disadvantage their party in midterm races where Democratic candidates have historically relied on daytime television appearances. Meanwhile, tensions within the left flank emerged after host Sara Haines made inflammatory remarks about Democratic socialist candidate Avila Chevalier, prompting angry responses from allied figures questioning whether such candidates would receive future airtime on the platform.

ABC has taken the unusual step of enlisting viewers to pressure the FCC to drop its investigation, while legal experts remain skeptical of Carr’s recent attempts to expand agency oversight into streaming platforms and digital media. Despite threats that ABC could face regulatory consequences, the network ultimately opted to fight the FCC inquiry into “The View” rather than accept demands, though editorial caution has already taken hold regardless of the legal outcome.



(Source: https://www.semafor.com/article/07/05/2026/the-view-throttles-back-political-candidate-bookings-following-fcc-inquiry)

Trump Blames Vandalism for Reflecting Pool Algae

President Trump blamed “vandalism” and ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl for damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Friday, claiming unknown actors used chemicals to harm the newly installed surface after the $13.1 million renovation project deteriorated within days of completion. Trump alleged Karl was “sticking his hand into the Pool” and “trying to rip the rubber off of the surface,” while asserting the algae bloom affecting the pool—which was supposed to display “American flag blue” water—is “75 percent gone” and will be repaired by early the following week. Law enforcement is investigating the alleged damage as the project, which Trump self-congratulated for completing in one month instead of the originally projected timeline, continues to face persistent algae growth and visible surface deterioration.

Trump used a lengthy Truth Social post to tout his administration’s work “cleaning, renovated, and beautified” dozens of sites across Washington, D.C., while claiming the pool damage stemmed from “real problems with vandalism” rather than acknowledging the project’s structural or maintenance failures. The president framed the algae bloom and peeling material as external sabotage, deflecting from questions about why the multimillion-dollar renovation produced substandard results immediately after completion. Trump stated that damage is “limited” and law enforcement is investigating the alleged vandalism.

Former George W. Bush adviser Scott Jennings defended Trump’s vandalism claims during a CNN appearance, stating it is “absolutely true” that someone vandalized the grass surrounding the pool. Jennings characterized Trump’s critics as “broken brained” for allegedly vandalizing national monuments out of hatred for the president, and expressed hope that perpetrators would face jail time. Jennings praised Trump’s efforts to clean up the nation’s capital, endorsing the president’s framing of the pool’s problems as deliberate destruction rather than project defects.

Trump previously promoted the Lincoln pool renovation at an Oval Office event focused on executive orders, characterizing the historic structure—which has operated since 1922 and required only routine maintenance until his administration’s intervention—as “filthy” and “dirty” to justify the expensive overhaul. The project’s rapid deterioration and persistent algae bloom have drawn public scrutiny, yet Trump continues to attribute visible problems to external sabotage and media interference rather than project execution.



(Source: https://www.newsweek.com/trump-reflecting-pool-algae-vandalism-peeling-floor-12098491)

Brendan Carr slams fired CBS journalist Scott Pelley’s remarks

FCC Chair Brendan Carr attacked Scott Pelley, the veteran CBS News correspondent fired on June 5, 2026, after the journalist told the New York Times he had not anticipated his termination. Carr, speaking on social platform X, declared that Pelley was “completely out of touch” and claimed his surprise at being fired demonstrated why “trust in media is so low,” asserting that such conduct would be unacceptable “at any run of the mill job.”

Pelley’s firing followed his criticism of CBS News Editor-In-Chief Bari Weiss and Nick Bilton, the newly appointed “60 Minutes” executive producer, during a staff meeting, which he characterized as “contentious.” In his New York Times interview, Pelley said he entered a subsequent meeting with CBS News President Tom Cibrowski unprepared for dismissal. Cibrowski accused Pelley of “physically abusing” Bilton, a claim Pelley directly refuted, stating he “didn’t come within 10 feet of Nick Bilton” and had “never put my hands on anyone in anger.” When confronted with this alleged falsehood, Cibrowski reportedly retracted the accusation.

The firing is the latest in a series of personnel changes at “60 Minutes” since Weiss assumed leadership in October 2025 under new ownership by billionaire David Ellison’s Paramount Skydance. The company has signaled a shift toward serving a “more politically diverse viewership,” resulting in the removal of correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, along with executive producer Tanya Simon’s ouster and replacement by Bilton, a former New York Times technology columnist.

Carr’s statement functioned as a defense of the network’s institutional restructuring and a dismissal of Pelley’s accountability concerns, characterizing the veteran journalist’s bewilderment at his firing as evidence of journalist(Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/media/5914770-brendan-carr-scott-pelley-60-minutes/?fbclid=IwdGRleASUQAhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeuSL0Cs4wCqbIX9EWfk851cFPqQr5WMnkng8F7B16OTTquAhGxDWCkJrmUX4_aem_LnBMYRKVkTLyTe5ehnZC2A)ic detachment rather than addressing substantive questions about the decision-making process itself.

Trump Exits NBC Interview When Pressed on Election Fraud Claims

President Donald Trump walked out of an NBC “Meet the Press” interview on June 7, 2026, after reporter Kristen Welker pressed him for evidence supporting his claims that the 2020 election was rigged and that January 6 Capitol rioters were ushered inside by the FBI. Trump provided no substantiation for either assertion, instead attacking Welker and the network as “crooked” before crushing his lapel microphone underfoot as he exited the Wisconsin farm taping.

The interview centered on Trump’s $1.776 billion “weaponization” fund, a settlement provision intended to compensate people Trump claims were victims of political persecution, including convicted rioters who assaulted police during the Capitol attack. Trump stated he would “pay them the kind of money that they deserve,” citing unsubstantiated claims of destroyed lives and suicides, though the fund was blocked in court last month and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced it was permanently halted.

When Welker repeatedly asked Trump for evidence of election fraud, he deflected by claiming California’s ongoing vote count in primary elections constituted cheating. Trump alleged that Democratic candidates’ vote totals surging after late-arriving ballots are counted represents wrongdoing, ignoring that California’s mail-ballot system legally accepts ballots postmarked by election day and arriving within a week. Pressed again for proof, Trump responded only that he would “look” and “listen to people,” offering no documentation.

The walkout followed Trump’s pattern of avoiding sustained questioning from female journalists. Trump has repeatedly made baseless fraud claims for years without presenting viable evidence in court, yet continues to advance them publicly. His previous attack on CNN’s Kaitlan Collins during an Oval Office press session demonstrated similar hostility when pressed on his abandoned “Anti-Weaponization fund” and allegations against the Biden administration.

The settlement establishing the weaponization fund also includes a provision permanently shielding Trump, his family members, and related business entities from tax audits and enforcement actions on returns filed before the agreement. The fund has drawn bipartisan opposition on Capitol Hill, with many Republicans opposing the White House on the measure.(Source: https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2026/06/07/trump-election-fraud-doj-fund-weaponization-storms-out.html)

Donald Trump Demands Fox News Get Rid of Karl Rove

President Donald Trump demanded Thursday that Fox News remove Karl Rove after the GOP strategist appeared on the network’s “America’s Newsroom” and discussed Democratic electoral prospects. Rove analyzed polling data showing Trump’s unfavorability rating at 40 percent compared to the Democratic Party’s unfavorability below 37 percent, noting this dynamic could affect House election outcomes.

Trump posted on Truth Social that Fox News should “get rid of sloppy RINO Karl Rove,” accusing the strategist of calling him and MAGA “wrong for 11 years” and suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” Trump ordered Rove “out to pasture, NOW,” calling him “a LOSER, and he always will be.”

Rove represents the Republican establishment that Trump has systematically purged from party and administration leadership. In 2019, Rove told National Review that “The Republican Party is going to have to recreate itself after Donald Trump leaves office,” predicting the conservative movement’s future would depend on the character of Trump’s successor and his “dark charisma.”

This demand exemplifies Trump’s broader campaign to eliminate dissent within Fox News and the GOP. Trump has previously targeted other network figures who fail to provide absolute loyalty, enforcing party orthodoxy through public denunciation and pressure on media executives to comply. Similar loyalty metrics have been implemented across federal agencies, requiring employees to “(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/loser-trump-demands-fox-news-get-rid-of-sloppy-rino-karl-rove/)clearly and demonstrably support” Trump’s agenda as a condition of employment and advancement.

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