Trending Now - FCC Chair Warns Broadcasters Over Iran War Coverage

WHO:

Brendan Carr, Chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

President Trump

Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz

Jimmy Kimmel, late-night host

ABC, network that airs "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

U.S. Central Command

WHAT:

Brendan Carr threatened to revoke broadcast licenses of networks covering the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran.

Carr stated, "Broadcasters that are running hoaxes and news distortions - also known as the fake news - have a chance now to correct course before their license renewals come up."

Trump criticized media coverage of five U.S. tanker aircraft in Saudi Arabia, stating, "Four of the five had virtually no damage, and are already back in service."

Trump claimed, "None were destroyed, or close to that, as the Fake News said in headlines."

In September 2025, Trump suggested that networks covering him negatively should "maybe" have their licenses revoked.

Carr's post referenced a Truth Social post from Trump regarding the tanker aircraft.

Carr accused broadcasters of "running hoaxes and news distortions" and emphasized the need to operate in the public interest.

Trump stated that NBC and ABC "give me 97% BAD STORIES" and expressed support for revoking their FCC licenses.

WHERE:

Saudi Arabia, location of the tanker aircraft incident.

The FCC, an independent agency in the United States.

WHEN:

March 14, 2026, date of Carr's threat.

September 2025, when Trump made comments about revoking licenses.

Mid-September 2025, when "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" was pulled from the air.

WHY:

Carr's threat was motivated by perceived inaccuracies in media coverage of the war in Iran.

Trump accused the media of intentionally misleading the public regarding the tanker aircraft incident.

HOW:

Carr used social media to communicate his threat to broadcasters.

Trump utilized Truth Social to express his views on media coverage and to criticize specific news outlets.

(UPDATED March 14, 2026 21:00 UTC)

In a significant development today, Brendan Carr, Chair of the Federal Communications Commission, threatened to revoke the broadcast licenses of networks he claims are spreading misinformation about the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran. Carr's comments came alongside President Trump's criticism of media reports regarding U.S. tanker aircraft in Saudi Arabia, where Trump insisted that the coverage was misleading and that the aircraft were not damaged as reported. This exchange highlights ongoing tensions between Trump and certain media outlets, with Carr emphasizing the need for broadcasters to operate in the public interest.