President Donald Trump escalated his criticism of the mainstream media on Sunday, targeting ABC and NBC and labeling them a “threat to democracy” over their coverage of his presidency, as reported [1] by The Independent Journal Review.
In a series of social media posts, Trump said the networks’ reporting was overwhelmingly negative despite what he described as “the greatest 8 months in Presidential History.”
“Despite a very high popularity and, according to many, among the greatest 8 months in Presidential History, ABC & NBC FAKE NEWS, two of the worst and most biased networks in history, give me 97% BAD STORIES,” Trump wrote.
“IF THAT IS THE CASE, THEY ARE SIMPLY AN ARM OF THE DEMOCRAT PARTY AND SHOULD, ACCORDING TO MANY, HAVE THEIR LICENSES REVOKED BY THE FCC.”
( @realDonaldTrump [3] – Truth Social Post )
( Donald J. Trump – Aug 24, 2025, 9:59 PM ET )Despite a very high popularity and, according to many, among the greatest 8 months in Presidential History, ABC & NBC FAKE NEWS, two of the worst and most biased net… pic.twitter.com/0hyalrRk33 [4]
— Donald J Trump Posts TruthSocial (@TruthTrumpPost) August 25, 2025 [5]
Trump argued that the two networks should lose their broadcast licenses or, at a minimum, be required to pay large license fees.
“They should lose their Licenses for their unfair coverage of Republicans and/or Conservatives, but at a minimum, they should pay up BIG for having the privilege of using the most valuable airwaves anywhere at anytime!!! Crooked ‘journalism’ should not be rewarded, it should be terminated!!!” he wrote.
( @realDonaldTrump [3] – Truth Social Post )
( Donald J. Trump – Aug 24, 2025, 10:58 PM ET )Why is it that ABC and NBC FAKE NEWS, two of the absolute worst and most biased networks anywhere in the World, aren’t paying Millions of Dollars a year in LICENSE … pic.twitter.com/oHGy3Ckths [6]
— Donald J Trump Posts TruthSocial (@TruthTrumpPost) August 25, 2025 [7]
The president also said their actions undermined national stability. “I would be totally in favor of that because they are so biased and untruthful, an actual threat to our Democracy!!! MAGA,” Trump stated.
In another post, he cited his polling numbers as proof of public support. “Except what is written and broadcast in the Fake News, I now have the highest poll numbers I’ve ever had, some in the 60’s and even 70’s. Thank you. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!” Trump added.
( @realDonaldTrump [3] – Truth Social Post )
( Donald J. Trump – Aug 24, 2025, 9:46 PM ET )Except what is written and broadcast in the Fake News, I now have the highest poll numbers I’ve ever had, some in the 60’s and even 70’s. Thank you. MAKE AMERICA GRE… pic.twitter.com/ZEOvqWmfq0 [8]
— Donald J Trump Posts TruthSocial (@TruthTrumpPost) August 25, 2025 [9]
The remarks came after Trump reached a legal settlement with CBS over a 2024 “60 Minutes” interview with then–Vice President Kamala Harris. CBS agreed to pay $16 million in the case.
Soon after, the Federal Communications Commission approved an $8 billion merger between CBS parent company Paramount and Skydance.
Trump’s attacks on NBC and ABC also followed criticism earlier that day from former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who appeared on ABC’s “This Week” to discuss FBI raids involving former Trump National Security Advisor John Bolton [10].
The dispute underscores Trump’s ongoing battles with major news networks, which he has frequently accused of being partisan and unfair in their coverage.