President Donald Trump on Friday doubled down on his claim that critical media coverage of him is “illegal,” sparking fresh controversy over his administration’s approach to free speech and press freedoms.
Speaking with reporters in the Oval Office, Trump argued that overwhelmingly negative coverage undermines the principle of free expression. “When 97 percent of the stories are bad about a person, it’s no longer free speech,” he said, though he offered no evidence to support the statistic or cite specific legal grounds. Trump also contrasted the media’s portrayal of him with his victory in the 2024 presidential election, suggesting that news outlets are unfairly targeting him.
His comments arrive just days after Disney indefinitely suspended late night host Jimmy Kimmel, following remarks he made about conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed last week. Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr hinted during a podcast that his agency might take regulatory action against Disney-owned ABC, which airs Kimmel’s show. Carr also suggested that other programs, including ABC’s “The View,” could face scrutiny.
The fallout has ignited a political firestorm. Democrats and free speech advocates denounced the move, warning it could lead to government overreach in media regulation. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer demanded Carr’s resignation, calling his stance a dangerous precedent for free expression in the United States.
Even within the Republican Party, concerns surfaced. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas strongly criticized Carr’s actions, labeling them “dangerous as hell” and comparing them to tactics seen in mob films like “Goodfellas.”
Trump, however, offered full-throated support for Carr. Calling him “incredible” and “a great American,” the president praised the commissioner’s willingness to push back against what he described as misuse of the airwaves. “I think he’s a courageous person,” Trump said. “He doesn’t like to see the airwaves be used illegally and incorrectly.”
The dispute highlights growing tensions between the White House, regulators, and media outlets, as questions swirl about the boundaries of government influence on free speech. While Trump insists that negative coverage crosses a line into illegality, critics warn that such rhetoric risks eroding constitutional protections and sets the stage for a broader battle over press freedom.
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