In what can only be described as a delusional moment from a man who still seems to think he’s living in the world of reality TV, President Donald Trump has once again found himself at odds with reality, this time demanding that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) pull CBS’s broadcast license. Let’s take a moment to remind ourselves of the facts: Trump’s latest tantrum comes after CBS aired a “60 Minutes” segment that he didn’t like, involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and some uncomfortable coverage of Greenland. Naturally, when the content wasn’t flattering enough for the man in charge, he leaped to the conclusion that the FCC should step in and yank the network’s ability to air television altogether.
It’s almost as if Trump believes the FCC is a kind of personal enforcer, an arm of the government meant to regulate networks that don’t play by his self-proclaimed rules. However, here’s a little fun fact: the FCC doesn’t even have the power to pull a network’s broadcast license. Why? Because networks like CBS don’t actually hold broadcast licenses. It’s the local affiliate stations that do, and they’re independent of the network itself. But, of course, facts never seem to get in the way of Trump’s rants.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on Trump’s self-important belief that the press should only report his version of reality. It’s as though, in his mind, the role of journalists is simply to echo his statements, reflect his opinions, and amplify his message, no matter how baseless or erratic it may be. Forget about facts, forget about truth, forget about investigative journalism. In Trump’s world, if the media doesn’t fawn over him and tell his version of events, they are to be punished.
Now, let’s talk about the First Amendment, which Trump seems to view as a quaint relic of a bygone era. In his never-ending attempt to control the narrative, Trump has called for the revocation of CBS’s license because they dared to cover events that didn’t make him look like the hero of every story. But here’s the thing: that First Amendment? It’s there to protect freedom of the press, even when it displeases the people in charge. And that includes Trump, who has made it abundantly clear over the years that the only “free” press he supports is one that praises him and only him.
Perhaps it’s worth asking: if Trump were truly concerned about a “fair” press, why does he seem so intent on censoring any outlet that dares to criticize him? Is it possible that he views any media coverage that doesn’t fit his narrative as a threat to his fragile ego? The answer is clear: Trump wants total control over the narrative, and any dissenting voice must be silenced. It’s an authoritarian mindset, not the behavior of someone interested in upholding democratic principles or the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.
One might wonder, at this point, if the man has even the faintest understanding of how broadcasting works. Does he think the FCC is some kind of editorial body for TV programming? Is he under the impression that the government can just issue an order to shut down any media outlet that doesn’t say nice things about him? If so, it’s hard to imagine a more childish, un-American approach to leadership. Then again, perhaps the thought of a president who’s so quick to lash out against the media doesn’t surprise us anymore—it’s just part of the ongoing circus that is his tenure in office.
In fact, this latest outburst is not the first time Trump has targeted media outlets for what he perceives as unfavorable coverage. Back in 2024, Trump went after CBS over their editing of an interview, filing a $20 billion lawsuit that, much like his demand for the FCC to revoke broadcast licenses, is unlikely to go anywhere. But let’s face it, lawsuits and Twitter tirades are all part of his go-to playbook. When he can’t control the story, he tries to destroy it. That’s not leadership, it’s tantrum-throwing with a veneer of authority.
If there’s one thing Trump excels at, it’s offering threats and ultimatums to anyone who challenges him. The problem is, these tactics are getting old. He’s tried to bully his way through the press, the courts, and even the very fabric of American democracy. But as much as he may want to believe it, the Constitution still stands. The First Amendment is not up for negotiation, no matter how loud and angry Trump gets. It’s a cornerstone of American society, one that Trump seems to have forgotten—or conveniently ignored—at every turn.
Let’s also not overlook the irony in Trump’s request for government intervention in the media. This is the same man who constantly touts “free speech” as one of his supposed guiding principles, yet he’s more than willing to trample on it when it suits his personal interests. If he’s so dedicated to freedom of speech, why not let the public decide which media outlets deserve attention, rather than calling for their censorship when the coverage is less than flattering?
Finally, it’s worth considering the bigger picture here: Trump’s attempts to control the media, undermine journalistic integrity, and disregard constitutional protections are emblematic of a broader strategy to erode democratic norms. It’s not just about one “60 Minutes” segment—it’s about sending a message to the press that its role is only to support him. But no matter how many broadcast licenses he dreams of pulling or how many lawsuits he files, the truth remains: the media’s job is to report the facts, not to serve as a mouthpiece for those in power. And, for all his bluster, Trump can’t change that.
In the end, President Trump’s latest demand to cancel CBS’s broadcast license is yet another misguided and dangerous attempt to suppress the press and control the narrative. It’s an affront to the First Amendment, a fundamental pillar of democracy. Trump can scream all he wants, but the truth will always prevail—especially when he’s so blatantly wrong. The FCC has bigger things to worry about than indulging the whims of a self-proclaimed king who refuses to face reality.
