Trump claims ABC, NBC blocked his speech for one reason, calls for licenses to be revoked

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Thursday, July 15, accused major television networks of deliberately refusing to broadcast his primetime White House address on election security, alleging they sought to conceal what he described as evidence of election-related fraud. 

During the speech, Trump singled out ABC and NBC, claiming their decision not to carry the address live was part of a broader effort to shield the public from his allegations. The remarks came as Trump unveiled a White House website containing newly declassified documents that he said raised concerns about election security and foreign interference. 

Trump alleges networks sought to suppress election claims 

Trump told viewers the networks declined to air the speech because they opposed the subject matter, alleging they wanted to prevent the public from hearing his claims about election security.

“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 because of the fact that they don't like the topic, because they know how corrupt our system is, and they don't want to reveal it,” Trump said.

He escalated his criticism by alleging that sections of the media were actively helping sustain what he described as election fraud. “They and others in the media are part of a plot. They want to continue this fraud for whatever reason. They want to keep it going. They want to protect the radical left.”

Trump argued that public confidence in elections depended on what he called honest reporting, saying broadcasters that chose not to air his remarks should face consequences.

He said, “Fraud like this should mean a revocation of their licenses. They use our public multi-billion dollar in value airwaves for absolutely no money. They pay nothing. All we want is honesty in our elections and honesty in reporting.”

He concluded that secure elections should unite Americans across political affiliations rather than divide them. “Every American, whether you're a Republican, Democrat, Independent, or otherwise, should be able to agree that we deserve the most secure, honest, and fair election system anywhere in the world.”

Networks defend editorial decisions as White House and allies push back

The networks' decision not to broadcast Trump's address live drew criticism from White House officials before the speech began. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung accused ABC and NBC of withholding information from viewers.

“Cowards. NBC and ABC don’t want you to hear the truth. All they want to do is hide the facts from you,” Cheung wrote on X, urging viewers to instead watch the speech on the White House feed. 

ABC News and NBC News said they would provide coverage through their streaming platforms rather than interrupt scheduled programming. CNN also chose not to air the address live, instead hosting a panel discussion featuring election and intelligence experts while monitoring Trump's remarks.

CBS aired a significant portion of the speech but prefaced the broadcast by noting that many of Trump's past election claims had been proven false.