FCC Review Sparks After White House Criticism of ABC News
For weeks, whispers had circulated in media and political circles suggesting a major clash between the White House and a national news network was brewing. Though no one knew exactly what would ignite it, tensions between the administration and certain broadcasters had been steadily rising—and the flashpoint arrived sooner than expected.
On Nov. 19, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a reassessment of agreements governing national networks and their affiliated local stations, following President Donald Trump’s public demand that ABC News lose its broadcast license.
The previous day, Trump said the network should be stripped of its licenses after an ABC reporter pressed him on the murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi and the handling of documents related to convicted s*x offender Jeffrey Epstein.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr stated that the commission would review standards allowing local stations to refuse network programming when public-interest concerns arise. The controversy centered on a White House meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump’s remarks suggesting ABC’s coverage was biased, and questions from ABC correspondent Mary Bruce.
Bruce asked whether Trump’s family business ties to Saudi Arabia could present a conflict of interest, and why Americans should trust the crown prince given Khashoggi’s murder.
Trump rebuked Bruce, calling her question “insubordinate” and describing her as “embarrassing” the crown prince. Bin Salman called Khashoggi’s killing a “painful” episode but claimed Saudi officials had fulfilled obligations regarding the investigation.
Khashoggi, a U.S. resident and critic of Saudi policies, had been murdered in Istanbul by a team tied to the crown prince. A 2021 declassified U.S. intelligence report concluded that bin Salman had approved the operation.
Bruce later pressed Trump about the White House’s delay in releasing additional Epstein-related documents. Trump rejected her approach and accused ABC of biased coverage, stating, “Your news is so fake… When you’re 97 percent negative to Trump, and Trump still wins in a landslide, your news clearly isn’t credible.” He has previously suggested revoking licenses for ABC and NBC over what he perceives as anti-Republican coverage.
The exchange coincided with the Senate’s passage of a bill requiring the Justice Department to release additional Epstein-related documents, pending Trump’s signature.
Conclusion
The FCC’s decision to revisit licensing rules highlights how political tensions are intersecting with public-interest broadcasting.
Trump’s criticism of ABC and calls to revoke its license underscore ongoing debates over press freedom, government influence, and regulatory authority. As the review proceeds, questions about media independence and political pressure are likely to intensify.