President Trump said broadcast licenses used by affiliates of Walt Disney's ABC should be "taken away" after he disagreed with an ABC reporter's question in the Oval Office. The exchange occurred during an event with the Saudi crown prince when the reporter raised questions about Jeffrey Epstein. The remark prompted criticism and concerns about press freedom and the role of government oversight of broadcasters.
Trump Calls for ABC Affiliates' Broadcast Licenses to Be 'Taken Away' After Oval Office Exchange
President Trump said broadcast licenses used by affiliates of Walt Disney's ABC should be "taken away" after he disagreed with an ABC reporter's question in the Oval Office. The exchange occurred during an event with the Saudi crown prince when the reporter raised questions about Jeffrey Epstein. The remark prompted criticism and concerns about press freedom and the role of government oversight of broadcasters.
02:24 AM, 11/19/2025Politics
Trump Calls for ABC Affiliates' Broadcast Licenses to Be Revoked
WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that broadcast licenses used by affiliates of Walt Disney's ABC should be "taken away" after he objected to a question posed by an ABC reporter in the Oval Office.
The remark followed an exchange during an Oval Office event with the Saudi crown prince, when an ABC News reporter asked Trump about questions surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and related political implications. Trump reacted sharply to the question and suggested the network's licenses should be revoked.
"Taken away," Trump said, referring to the broadcast licenses.
The comment drew attention for its direct challenge to a major broadcaster and raised concerns about press freedom and potential government pressure on the media. Broadcast licenses are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and any changes to licensing would require legal and regulatory procedures rather than unilateral executive action.
(Reporting by Steve Holland and Trevor Hunnicutt)