Trump’s advisors reportedly clashed with ABC executives during a televised debate with Kamala Harris, demanding that fact-checking be stopped, sources claimed. According to The Washington Post, top Trump aides Chris LaCivita and Jason Miller accused the network of violating agreed-upon debate rules on September 10.
Recently, Trump has expressed frustration over networks fact-checking his speeches, levelling unfounded accusations of bias and corruption. He even hinted at potentially revoking broadcast licenses for networks airing critical coverage. Following suit, Trump’s running mate JD Vance criticised CBS journalist Margaret Brennan for correcting a claim during a vice presidential debate earlier this month.
Despite assurances from an ABC journalist that fact-checking would not occur during Trump’s debate with Harris, a copy of the ABC News debate rules obtained by The Post showed no such restrictions. Anonymous sources revealed that advisors, including LaCivita and Miller, confronted ABC executives and requested an end to fact-checking for the remainder of the debate.
After the debate, Trump called for the revocation of the news network’s license, labelling it a “three-on-one” debate. He continues to stoke his supporters against the media, accusing them of misreporting facts and distorting his image. He also scrutinised CBS for airing an interview with Harris, alleging a breach of campaign finance laws.
During his presidency, Trump frequently attacked journalists as “fake news” and the “enemy of the people.” His administration’s Project 2025 purportedly aims to defund public broadcasting outlets and re-evaluate its relationship with the media. The Independent reached out to the Trump campaign and ABC News for comment on these developments.