Trending Now - ABC News Criticized for Labeling Obama Campaign Ad as 'exclusive

WHO:

NY Post - ABC News, Barack Obama, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, Mark Hemingway, Alberto Miguel Fernandez

Fox News - ABC News, Barack Obama, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, Mark Hemingway, Alberto Miguel Fernandez

WHAT:

NY Post - ABC News presented a campaign ad from Barack Obama as an "exclusive."

Fox News - The ad features Obama urging Virginians to vote "yes" on a redistricting measure, which could benefit Democrats in the 2026 midterms.

Fox News - Obama stated, "By voting yes, you can push back against the Republicans trying to give themselves an unfair advantage in the midterms."

WHERE:

NY Post - Virginia

Fox News - Virginia

WHEN:

Fox News - The video message from Obama was released as early voting began in 2026.

WHY:

Fox News - Critics accused ABC News of acting as a "propaganda machine" for labeling a partisan campaign ad as an "exclusive."

Fox News - The criticism arose from the perception that the ad was not new or exclusive, as it had been widely available on platforms like YouTube.

HOW:

Fox News - Social media users on X criticized ABC News for its portrayal of the ad, with comments highlighting the ad's availability prior to its presentation as an exclusive.

(UPDATED April 18, 2026 19:17 UTC)

Barack Obama has released a campaign ad urging Virginians to vote "yes" on a redistricting measure that could benefit Democrats in the upcoming midterms, with the ad presented as an "exclusive" by ABC News. The video message was launched as early voting began in Virginia, but critics have accused ABC of acting as a "propaganda machine" for labeling the ad as exclusive, given that it had already been available on platforms like YouTube. Social media users on X have voiced their discontent, pointing out that the ad's prior availability undermines its exclusive status.