Fact Check: Did AOC urge TV networks not to air Trump's primetime speech?
WASHINGTON, DC: As President Donald Trump’s primetime speech tonight has been boycotted by some television news networks, a rumor is circulating on social media platforms claiming that Rep Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez urged the networks not to air Trump’s speech. The claim has sparked outrage and speculation, prompting a fact-check.
Claim: Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez urged news networks not to air Trump’s speech
Ahead of Trump’s prime-time speech, a rumor began circulating online claiming that Ocasio‑Cortez had urged TV networks to refuse to air Trump’s Thursday night speech on the elections.
The claim has been shared on several social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and Instagram, with millions of views.
The claim has sparked mixed reactions on social media, sparking outrage and criticism against the New York Congresswoman, with many accusing her of denying the president freedom of speech.
Meanwhile, a few others dismissed the claim as false, while others questioned the viral claim's authenticity and called for a fact check.
Fact Check: True, AOC indeed urged networks to boycott Trump's speech
The claim is indeed true, as Ocasio‑Cortez did call on TV networks not to air “lies about our election” ahead of Trump’s prime-time address.
“I don’t think that we should be contributing to any platforming of lies about our election,” the Congresswoman told reporters Tuesday. “I think that we have an ethical obligation not to air things that undermine our election that are not rooted in evidence and fact.”
“So, you know, of course, it depends on the contents of this speech, but that’s my take on it,” AOC added.
Donald Trump wants TV licenses revoked for not covering his speech
Several major news broadcasters boycotted Trump’s speech on Thursday evening, as confirmed by the spokespeople for these networks, while ABC News, NBC News, and CNN carried the president’s remarks on separate streaming platforms or editorial live updates.
Other outlets, including CBS, MS NOW, and Fox News, chose to broadcast the speech in part.
In response to the boycott, Trump said TV networks that did not feature live coverage of his primetime address on election security should have their broadcast licenses revoked.
“In a rare move, NBC and ABC fake news have both said that they would not cover this speech. They knew what it was about,” he said. “Fraud like this should mean a revocation of their licenses.”
