Washington (HRNW)- The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has warned media outlets critical of the ongoing war with Iran that their broadcasting licenses could face revocation if they are found to have aired allegedly false or misleading information.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated in a social media message that broadcasters must operate in the public interest, warning that failure to do so could result in the loss of their licenses. He added that media organizations accused of broadcasting distorted or inaccurate content should review and correct their policies, noting that several licenses are approaching renewal.
The remarks came after President Trump claimed that certain U.S. media outlets were reporting incorrectly about developments in the war with Iran. Trump said reports alleging that U.S. tanker aircraft were destroyed in an Iranian attack in Saudi Arabia were inaccurate, stating that the aircraft sustained only minor damage and had since returned to service.
The statement has sparked strong reactions across the United States. Several politicians and advocates for freedom of expression have described the comments as an attempt to pressure the media and restrict journalistic independence.
U.S. Senator Brian Schatz said the remarks send a message that unfavorable war coverage could jeopardize license renewals. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth criticized media coverage, urging journalists to report in a more patriotic manner and specifically questioning coverage by certain outlets, including CNN.
The tensions come after the U.S. and Israel launched military action against Iran on February 28, significantly increasing regional instability. A recent survey indicates that 53% of American voters oppose the war, reflecting public division over the conflict.
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