Bernie Sanders calls out Trump for attacking media: 'If you can't take criticism, get out'

Bernie Sanders quipped, 'Oh, my word, CBS criticized him! Oh, let’s drive them out of business! How terrible is that!'
UPDATED APR 16, 2025
Bernie Sanders slammed Donald Trump at the April 14, 2025, Fighting Oligarchy rally in Idaho (Getty Images)
Bernie Sanders slammed Donald Trump at the April 14, 2025, Fighting Oligarchy rally in Idaho (Getty Images)

NAMPA, IDAHO: Senator Bernie Sanders called out President Donald Trump for going after media networks critical of his policies and agenda during a Fighting Oligarchy tour rally in Idaho on Monday, April 14, reported Huff Post.

Accompanied by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), he also addressed mass deportations and defiance of Supreme Court orders by the Trump administration.

Trump, 78, has a history of targeting media outlets since his first term in the Oval Office, when he labeled any report critical of him as "fake news." He doubled down on his attacks on CBS network last year after Democratic nominee Kamala Harris appeared on the network's show '60 Minutes' for an interview.

Trump had demanded that CBS' Federal Communications Commission license be revoked at the time for allegedly doctoring the interview. He brought up the topic again after the '60 Minutes' broadcast on Sunday, April 12, which reportedly covered topics such as Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the incumbent’s plan to take over Greenland.



 

Bernie Sanders slams Donald Trump for being hostile to criticism

The 83-year-old progressive senator went after the POTUS and his billionaire friends for undermining US democracy, during which he brought up the issue of Trump attacking media institutions.

"And right now, he’s going after the media. I don’t know if any of you saw it. He is now wanting to take away CBS’ license because they did a story that criticized him," said Sanders. "Oh, my word, CBS criticized him! Oh, let’s drive them out of business! How terrible is that!"

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speak to a full auditorium as part of the
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speak to a full auditorium as part of the 'Fighting Oligarchy tour on April 14, 2025 in Nampa, Idaho (Natalie Behring/Getty Images)

"He has sued ABC. He has sued Meta. He has sued the Des Moines Register. This guy cannot take criticism. He can dish it out all right — but he can’t take it," he continued.

“I say to Mr Trump, if you can’t take criticism, get out of the political process,” added Sanders. “This is a democracy.”

Internet backs Bernie Sanders

Netizens reacting to Bernie Sanders' statement on X joined him in slamming Trump. The following tweets demonstrate their takes.

"Just proves how thin-skinned Trump’s always been," wrote a person.



 

"Real leaders take criticism. Wannabe dictators threaten networks," shared another.



 

"Bernie is delivering the fire we need," stated a third.



 

"If you can't handle the heat, step out of the kitchen. democracy thrives on dissent, not censorship. Trump's got a fragile ego, and it's time to call it out. accountability isn't optional," observed a fourth.



 

"Since when did free press become a threat instead of a pillar of democracy?" pointed out a fifth.



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online

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