Trump Threatens Media with Treason Charges, FCC Considers License Revocations Amid Iran War Coverage

US President Donald Trump has escalated his attacks on the media, floating the possibility of treason charges against news outlets reporting on the ongoing conflict in Iran. This comes as his administration faces scrutiny over the human and economic costs of the military assault, and as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) considers actions that could limit critical reporting.

Trump’s Treason Accusations

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump accused media organizations of disseminating “fake news” regarding the Iran war and suggested they should be charged with treason, a crime punishable by death in the US. He specifically targeted the Wall Street Journal for a report detailing damage to US Air Force refueling planes at Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia during an Iranian missile strike. The Journal, citing two unnamed US officials, reported that five tankers were damaged but repairable. Trump dismissed the report as “false reporting” without offering substantive rebuttal, claiming four planes are “in service” and one “will soon be flying the skies” – a statement consistent with the Journal’s reporting.

FCC Threatens Broadcasting Licenses

Trump’s attacks on the media are amplified by actions from the FCC. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatened to pull the broadcasting licenses of media outlets accused of “running hoaxes and news distortions.” Carr did not specify which outlets were under consideration. Trump publicly expressed support for Carr’s threat, labeling news organizations he deems critical as “Corrupt and Highly Unpatriotic.”

Concerns Over Press Freedom

These actions have raised concerns about a potential attempt to suppress critical reporting. US Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) warned in a letter to Carr that the administration’s actions represent a “blatant attempt to muzzle the free press,” particularly regarding coverage of the Iran war. Markey argued that threatening license revocations could have a “chilling effect on journalists and the damage to the public’s right to realize.”

Broader Context: Trump’s History with the Media and FCC

This is not the first instance of Trump targeting the media. Throughout his presidency, he has frequently labeled news organizations as “enemies of the people.” His administration has also been accused of attempting to weaponize the FCC to favor conservative media outlets. In 2024, Trump signaled his intention to use the FCC to retaliate against media outlets he dislikes, even suggesting jailing journalists and revoking licenses. In 2025, the FCC, under Chairman Brendan Carr, considered eliminating rules limiting media consolidation, potentially leading to fewer independent voices in local news. Trump has also repeatedly shared AI-generated videos and photos on his social media platform, including a fabricated video purporting to indicate the USS Abraham Lincoln on fire, further undermining trust in legitimate news sources.

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