Trump's Call to Revoke Network Licenses Sparks Controversy

President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the East Room of the White House on July 16, 2026 in Washington, DC. Saul Loeb/Pool - Getty Images

President Donald Trump said on July 16 that U.S. television networks that did not air his primetime address on election integrity should have their licenses revoked.

Trump said during his address that both NBC and ABC News had said they “would not cover the speech” in what the president described as a “rare move” by broadcast networks.