Networks Avoid Live Broadcast of Trump’s Election Speech

ABC News, NBC News, and CNN did not air President Donald Trump’s primetime speech live on Thursday. The speech addressed election security and alleged vulnerabilities during the 2020 election. Trump claimed ‘vital information’ about the election was hidden from the public and accused China of election interference. He referenced declassified documents allegedly showing the Chinese Communist Party’s involvement in preventing his reelection. The documents reportedly also included intelligence from the FBI claiming China attempted to produce illegal ballots for Joe Biden.

Prior to Trump’s address, five liberal networks developed strategies to handle the coverage of his speech. ABC, NBC, and CNN opted not to broadcast the speech live. CNN planned to cover the speech as a news event with analysis without airing it live. The network made the speech available on its website and streaming platform. CNN anchor John King explained the decision, citing Trump’s history of misleading and false statements regarding elections. He noted the network’s intention to verify the documents independently.

ABC News streamed Trump’s speech on its platform and ABC News Radio aired it. A spokesperson said regular newscasts would cover the speech. NBC News also streamed the address and later ran a special report on it. Sinclair Broadcasting Group-owned stations, affiliated with ABC and NBC, chose to air the speech, interrupting regular programming.

During his speech, Trump criticized ABC and NBC, labeling them ‘fake news.’ He accused these networks and others of being part of a plot to continue election fraud for their reasons. He stated that fraud should lead to the revocation of broadcasting licenses. Trump criticized the networks for using public airwaves without cost and called for honesty in elections and reporting.

ABC News and NBC News did not respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comments. CBS News aired a special report providing analysis before covering Trump’s speech and later cutting away. MSNBC aired the first 15 minutes live before switching to commentary. Fox News aired the entire speech.

Networks have previously skipped presidential primetime addresses. In 2014, ABC, CBS, and NBC chose not to air President Barack Obama’s speech on immigration. In 2022, these networks also avoided airing President Joe Biden’s speech in Philadelphia that criticized MAGA Republicans.