Trump’s Late-Night Tirade: A Threat to Silence ABC and NBC

In a fiery late-night outburst on his Truth Social platform, President Donald Trump unleashed a scathing attack on ABC and NBC News, accusing them of spreading “dangerous misinformation” and demanding their broadcast licenses be revoked. The unprecedented tirade, which took place on August 24, 2025, has sparked intense debate about the boundaries of free speech, the role of the media, and the extent of presidential power. Critics are now questioning whether Trump’s threats are mere political theater or a genuine attempt to silence two of America’s most prominent news networks.

The outburst was triggered by Trump’s viewing of ABC’s This Week With George Stephanopoulos, where reporter Jonathan Karl discussed FBI searches at the home and office of former Trump national security advisor John Bolton. The segment also covered a proposed meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Former federal prosecutor Chris Christie, a guest on the show, suggested that different standards were applied to classified information found at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate compared to Bolton’s case. This comparison appeared to ignite Trump’s fury, leading to a series of posts that targeted not only the networks but also individuals involved in the broadcast.

In his Truth Social rant, Trump took personal aim at Christie, whom he dubbed “Sloppy Chris,” and mocked Jonathan Karl’s appearance, writing, “What the ‘hell’ happened to Jonathan Karl’s hair? He looks absolutely terrible!” He accused Christie of lying about the 2013 George Washington Bridge scandal to avoid prison, even suggesting a reexamination of the case, stating, “NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW!” Trump’s attacks extended to the networks themselves, claiming that ABC and NBC produce “97% BAD STORIES” about him despite what he described as his “very high popularity” and “among the greatest 8 months in Presidential History.” He argued that their alleged bias makes them “an actual threat to our Democracy” and called for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to revoke their licenses.

Trump’s rhetoric escalated further as he demanded that ABC and NBC pay “Millions of Dollars a year in LICENSE FEES” for using public airwaves, labeling their journalism as “crooked” and insisting it should be “terminated.” The threats drew immediate backlash from critics, who labeled them as authoritarian and a direct assault on press freedom. The group Republicans Against Trump shared a screenshot of Trump’s post on X, sarcastically noting, “MAGA calls that ‘free speech.’” Others were more direct, with one commenter stating, “Donald Trump needs a mental health assessment. Threatening [the networks] is an abuse of power.” Another critic called the move a “blueprint for dictatorship,” pointing out that Trump only seems to object when coverage is critical of him, not when it is favorable.

The controversy has reignited discussions about the fragility of press freedom in the United States. Trump’s suggestion that the FCC could revoke broadcast licenses raises serious constitutional questions, as the First Amendment explicitly protects freedom of the press. Legal experts argue that such an action would face significant hurdles, as the FCC’s authority over licensing is not intended to police content or editorial decisions. However, the mere suggestion from a sitting president carries weight, potentially intimidating media outlets and chilling journalistic independence.

Supporters of Trump argue that his frustration stems from what they perceive as relentless bias from mainstream media. They point to the networks’ critical coverage of his administration as evidence of a coordinated effort to undermine him. Yet, even among his base, the call to “shut down” major news networks has raised eyebrows, with some questioning the precedent it could set.

As the dust settles, the incident underscores a deepening divide between Trump and the media. Whether his threats are a calculated move to rally his supporters or a genuine push to reshape the media landscape remains unclear. What is certain is that this latest episode has intensified scrutiny of Trump’s leadership style and its implications for democratic institutions. With the nation watching, the question looms: will this be a fleeting outburst, or the start of a broader campaign against the press?