Can the FCC revoke a broadcast license based on a president's dislike of a network's coverage?

No, the FCC does not have the authority to revoke broadcast licenses simply because a president or political figure dislikes the coverage; such actions would violate First Amendment protections.

Has President Trump previously threatened to revoke broadcast licenses of media outlets?

Yes, President Trump has previously called for the FCC to revoke the licenses of media outlets such as NBC and ABC, accusing them of 'fake news' and unfair coverage.

What has been the response of the FCC to threats of revoking broadcast licenses due to political disagreements?

FCC officials, including past and current chairs, have affirmed the importance of the First Amendment and stated that the FCC lacks authority to revoke licenses based on political disagreements or specific content coverage.

How have other political actors reacted to FCC involvement in broadcast content disputes involving ABC?

Democrats on Capitol Hill have criticized FCC Chair Brendan Carr for pressuring ABC over content, calling for his resignation, and launching investigations into the matter.

How did the White House defend President Trump's remarks towards the ABC News reporter?

A White House official defended President Trump’s behavior as appropriate, suggesting that the reporter should develop 'thicker skin' in response to the President's comments.

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1M ago

Trump Threatens ABC News License Over Epstein Questions

President Trump criticized and threatened ABC News reporter Mary Bruce, suggesting revoking the network's license after she questioned him about his past association with Jeffrey Epstein.

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Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

President Trump criticized ABC News reporter Mary Bruce and threatened to revoke her network's license after she questioned him regarding Jeffrey Epstein.

Trump denied any involvement with Jeffrey Epstein since the early 2000s, referring to Epstein as a "sick pervert" during his remarks.

The President accused ABC News of being "terrible" and suggested the FCC should consider removing the network's broadcast license due to perceived "fake news."

This incident follows other instances where Donald Trump angrily responded to female reporters asking about the Epstein files, including one on Air Force One.

A White House official defended Trump's behavior as appropriate, suggesting the reporter should develop "thicker skin" in response to the President's comments.

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FAQ

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: No, the FCC does not have the authority to revoke broadcast licenses simply because a president or political figure dislikes the coverage; such actions would violate First Amendment protections.
Sources:
Brookings Institution
: Yes, President Trump has previously called for the FCC to revoke the licenses of media outlets such as NBC and ABC, accusing them of 'fake news' and unfair coverage.
Sources:
Brookings Institution
: FCC officials, including past and current chairs, have affirmed the importance of the First Amendment and stated that the FCC lacks authority to revoke licenses based on political disagreements or specific content coverage.
Sources:
Brookings Institution
: Democrats on Capitol Hill have criticized FCC Chair Brendan Carr for pressuring ABC over content, calling for his resignation, and launching investigations into the matter.
Sources:
ABC News
: A White House official defended President Trump’s behavior as appropriate, suggesting that the reporter should develop 'thicker skin' in response to the President's comments.
Sources:
ABC News

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