Trump Threatens ABC and Chris Christie After Interview/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump lashed out at ABC News and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie following a critical Sunday interview aired on “This Week.” He threatened to reopen investigations into Christie’s past scandal and called for revoking the broadcast licenses of ABC and NBC. Trump’s comments come amid renewed scrutiny of media bias by a newly restructured FCC.
Trump, Christie, and the Media Quick Looks
- Trump blasts Chris Christie for ABC interview criticizing his leadership
- Threatens to revisit “Bridgegate” scandal despite Christie’s non-involvement
- Accuses ABC News of biased reporting and mocks host Jonathan Karl
- Trump calls for FCC to revoke ABC and NBC licenses
- Claims major networks act as “arms of the Democrat Party”
- Suggests networks should “pay up” for access to U.S. airwaves
- FCC chair Brendan Carr has reopened investigations into media bias
- Trump uses Truth Social to air grievances against mainstream press
- Christie and ABC have not commented; NBC declined to respond
- Renewed attacks signal Trump’s ongoing war with legacy media
Deep Look: Trump Threatens ABC News and Chris Christie After ‘This Week’ Interview
WASHINGTON — August 25, 2025 – President Donald Trump launched a new wave of attacks against mainstream media and political opponents over the weekend, directing his ire at ABC News and Chris Christie after a pointed interview aired on the Disney-owned network’s flagship Sunday show, “This Week.”
In the segment, Christie criticized Trump’s disregard for the separation of powers, particularly in light of the FBI raid on former national security adviser John Bolton. Christie, once a close Trump ally, accused the president of believing he could “decide everything” and ignoring constitutional norms.
“Donald Trump sees himself as the person who gets to decide everything,” Christie said. “He absolutely rejects the idea of separation between criminal investigations and political power.”
Trump Targets Christie Over Bridgegate Scandal
Hours after the segment aired, Trump responded on Truth Social, calling Christie “Sloppy Chris Christie” and resurrecting the 2013 Bridgegate scandal — an episode that saw traffic intentionally gridlocked on the George Washington Bridge as political retribution against a Democratic mayor. While Christie was never charged or formally implicated, Trump hinted he might push for the case to be reexamined.
“Chris refused to take responsibility for these criminal acts. For the sake of JUSTICE, perhaps we should start looking at that very serious situation again?” Trump posted. “NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW!”
Trump’s statement reignited speculation that the administration may seek politically motivated investigations against perceived enemies. Christie has repeatedly denied any involvement in Bridgegate and was cleared of wrongdoing, though several aides were convicted.
Trump Attacks ABC, NBC, and the Media at Large
In the same post, Trump mocked ABC’s Jonathan Karl, ridiculed the show’s “bad ratings,” and referenced a $16 million defamation settlement ABC reportedly paid to resolve a suit filed by Trump. While ABC has not confirmed the settlement amount, the president frequently references it as a win over “fake news.”
Later, Trump returned to social media, broadening his attack to include NBC News, claiming the networks collectively produce “97% BAD STORIES” about him. He went further, saying the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) should consider revoking both networks’ broadcast licenses.
“I would be totally in favor of that because they are so biased and untruthful, an actual threat to our Democracy,” Trump wrote. “Crooked ‘journalism’ should not be rewarded, it should be terminated!”
He claimed that ABC and NBC should be forced to “pay up BIG” for the use of what he called “the most valuable airwaves anywhere.”
FCC Reopens Media Bias Investigations
Trump’s aggressive stance toward major media outlets comes as the FCC, under newly appointed Chairman Brendan Carr, has reopened investigations into alleged media bias. These investigations, previously dismissed under President Biden’s FCC leadership, are now active again under Trump’s administration.
Carr, a vocal Trump supporter, has pledged to hold legacy media “accountable” for what he describes as political bias in coverage. Critics argue the move could chill press freedom and violate the First Amendment, but Trump has leaned into the battle as part of his 2025 campaign-style governance.
No Comment From ABC or Christie
Neither ABC News nor Chris Christie has responded to Trump’s latest barrage. NBC News declined to comment on the president’s statements. Political analysts note that Christie has emerged as a frequent Trump critic in recent months, potentially positioning himself as a moderate Republican voice ahead of 2028.
Media Battles Part of Larger Political Strategy
Trump’s renewed feud with the media mirrors his broader efforts to reframe political narratives around patriotism, law, and order, especially as he doubles down on his public safety agenda. Like his policies targeting crime and cashless bail, Trump frames his attacks on the press as a defense of national stability.
“The media has lost its influence because we keep winning,” he said in a separate Truth Social post earlier this week. “They hate that we are telling the truth.”
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