Trump Suggests Revoking TV Licenses for Networks Critical of Him
President Donald Trump suggested on Thursday that TV networks could lose their federal licenses if he feels they are being negative toward him. His comments came just a day after ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air indefinitely.
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump said the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) should consider revoking licenses for broadcasters that are critical of him. “I mean, they’re getting a license. I would think maybe their license should be taken away. It will be up to Brendan Carr,” he said, referring to the FCC chairman. “I think Brendan Carr is outstanding. He’s a patriot. He loves our country, and he’s a tough guy, so we’ll have to see.”
Trump also criticized late-night shows on network television, saying: “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:
— The Global Monitor (@theglobal4u) September 18, 2025
When you have a network and you have evening shows and all they do is hit Trump… They’re licensed. They’re not allowed to do that. pic.twitter.com/YQq41L42Tt
On Wednesday, Trump praised ABC for suspending Kimmel’s show after the host made comments about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.”
Kimmel had said on Monday’s episode of his show that MAGA Republicans were “desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.” Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with Kirk’s murder in Utah.
According to reports, Robinson had grown up in a conservative household but later leaned left politically.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr has warned that Kimmel’s suspension may not be the end. Speaking to Fox News, he said, “This is a massive shift that’s taking place in the media ecosystem. I think the consequences are going to continue to flow.” He repeated similar warnings on CNBC, saying, “We’re not done yet.”
The FCC says that broadcast licenses are granted to stations that serve the public interest and local community. License holders must operate in a way that meets the law’s requirements for public service and report how they meet those obligations.
House Democrats have strongly criticized Trump and Carr. Led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, they called on Carr to resign and accused the administration of attacking the First Amendment.
In a statement, they said: “Donald Trump and the Republican Party’s war on the First Amendment is blatantly inconsistent with American values. The censoring of artists and cancellation of shows is an act of cowardice.”
Trump’s comments raise serious questions about free speech and the role of government oversight in media. Threatening broadcasters over content sets a concerning precedent. What do you think about Trump’s remarks and the FCC’s involvement? Share your thoughts in the comments.