On that day in 2025, Donald Trump was the former President. He found time, though, to do joint press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers in central England. Trump discussed a range of topics, including his anticipated victory in the 2024 presidential election and the treatment he receives from the media.
When Trump grumbled that NBC, ABC and CBS should stop covering his press conferences live during the press conference himself, he wasn’t just blowing off steam. He suggested that the federal government might consider revoking the licenses of these networks, saying, “I would think maybe their license should be taken away.” His comments followed the suspension of ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” show, which occurred a day prior due to remarks made by Kimmel linking the alleged killer of conservative activist Charlie Kirk to Trump’s MAGA movement.
They’re 97% opposed, they only provide me with terrible press. They’re getting a license, That’s all fake news, Trump recently said in a statement, calling attention to what he calls the media’s unfairly biased coverage of him. As he noted, the ultimate decision to revoke licenses would rest with the still-seated Brendan Carr. He nominated Carr to be the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Trump called Carr “outstanding” and a “patriot,” a signal that he is very pleased with Carr’s eventual leadership.
“There is a license. I’ll give you an example,” – Donald Trump
Unsurprisingly, President Trump’s comments sparked energetic debate over regulating the media vs. protecting free speech. This further underscores the fraught relationship between our elected leaders and the press. His recent call to rescind broadcast licenses raises grave fears. It threatens independent media and would have a devastating impact on public discourse leading up to the next national election.
As he prepares for his 2024 campaign, Trump’s statements underscore his continued focus on rallying support among his base while criticizing what he perceives as unfair treatment from major networks. This press conference marks a new round in the ongoing war between Trump and the Fourth Estate. This dynamic is still very much alive and continues to drive his political narrative.