Donald Trump (AP image)
US President Donald Trump on Friday slammed US media coverage that portrayed him negatively, calling it “illegal” and claiming that networks report “97 per cent bad” news about him, , although he did not provide any evidence to support the figure.The remarks have reignited debate over free speech following the suspension of comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s television show by ABC. “They’ll take a great story and they’ll make it bad. See, I think it’s really illegal, personally,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, reiterating his long-standing view that coverage of him and his administration is overwhelmingly hostile, according to news agency AFP. The 79-year-old Republican has sued several major news organizations this year, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, as part of his ongoing criticism of US media.Trump also defended Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr, whose recent threats to broadcasters over Kimmel’s remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk have sparked a national debate. “He’s an incredible American patriot with courage.”The controversy began when Kimmel suggested on his show that “many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk.” Within 24 hours, Carr condemned the comments as “truly sick” and hinted that ABC could face regulatory consequences, including fines or potential license actions. Shortly afterward, ABC announced Kimmel’s show would be suspended indefinitely.Trump’s remarks followed his previous statements aboard Air Force One, where he suggested networks broadcasting negative coverage of him could face government punishment, even hinting that their licenses “maybe” should be revoked. “Again, 97% negative, and yet I won easily. I won all seven swing states,” he said.Not all Republicans agreed with Trump’s stance. Texas Senator Ted Cruz, a close ally, warned that it is dangerous for the government to dictate which speech it may or may not like. President Trump recently filed a $15 billion lawsuit against The New York Times, accusing the newspaper of participating in a decades-long smear campaign aimed at damaging him politically. However, the case suffered a setback when a federal judge dismissed it as without merit.
