Trump 'thrilled' by FCC chair Brendan Carr threat to revoke broadcast licenses over Iran war

President Trump expressed his excitement over the recent warning from Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr. Carr has threatened to revoke the licenses of broadcasters that spread “hoaxes and distortions” concerning the conflict with Iran.

Trump criticized media outlets that circulate AI-generated content produced by Iran, calling the country a “master of media manipulation and public relations.”

He accused Iran of using artificial intelligence as a “disinformation weapon” to falsely project military strength, despite suffering significant losses.


Collage of two false social media posts claiming Iran struck the USS Abraham Lincoln.
AI-generated clips have surfaced that claim to show the USS Abraham Lincoln on fire. AFP

Broadcasters have their licenses renewed every 8 years.

“The law is clear,” Carr wrote on X Saturday. “Broadcasters must operate in the public interest, and they will lose their licenses if they do not.

“The American people have subsidized broadcasters to the tune of billions of dollars by providing free access to the nation’s airwaves. 

“It is very important to bring trust back into media, which has earned itself the label of fake news.”

Carr warned broadcasters that licenses are not a “property right,” but FCC chiefs haven’t denied licenses since the 1980s.

“People have gotten used to the idea that, you know, licenses are some sort of property right, and there’s nothing you can do that can result in losing their license,” he told CBS News the same day.

 “I try to sort of help reorient people that, no, there is a public interest, and broadcast is different.”

Carr’s warning came after Trump played down reports five US Air Force tankers were severely damaged by Iranian strikes at a Saudi Arabia airport.

“In actuality, the Base was hit a few days ago, but the planes were not ‘struck’ or ‘destroyed,’ Trump wrote on Truth Social. 

“Four of the five had virtually no damage, and are already back in service. One had slightly more damage, but will be in the air shortly.”

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