Donald Trump wants the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to crack down on legacy media for platforming programs and pundits that are openly critical of his politics. In an Oct. 4 Truth Social post, the president targeted NBC for its liberal-leaning lineup.
Ire was fueled by a new episode of “PoliticsNation with Al Sharpton,” which airs on MSNBC. In a tweet recapping some of the show’s talking points, host Al Sharpton said that he and New York Rep. Gregory Meeks had a big problem with Trump’s comments.
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He noted that they “examined Trump’s rhetoric toward our military and his authoritarian attempts to punish Democratic-led states.”
Trump presumably became aware of the conversation, which led to his social rant about Sharpton and “Fake News NBC.” He claimed the activist was formerly a “major” supporter who invited him to rallies because “he [Sharpton] couldn’t get anyone to come without me.”
He also took a swipe at Sharpton’s show, “PoliticsNation,” calling it “one of the Lowest Rated Shows in Television History” that has lasted because network chairman Brian Roberts would rather be “Politically Correct” than pull the plug.
Today on MSNBC’s #PoliticsNation with Al Sharpton, I spoke with Congressman Gregory Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, about the latest negotiations between Israel and Hamas, the Trump administration’s military actions in Venezuela, and the ongoing… pic.twitter.com/Xww60V0kJ6
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) October 6, 2025
Trump suggested that the FCC “look into the license of NBC, which shows almost exclusively positive Democrat content.Likewise, ABC Fake News — About the same thing, 97% negative to Republicans!”
Last December, Trump extracted a $15 million settlement in a defamation suit against ABC. The money will help fund his presidential library as a “charitable contribution.” The network was recently at the center of the freedom of speech controversy surrounding late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
Al Sharpton: Trump is a threat to black people.
Hey @TheRevAl, this you on these photos?? pic.twitter.com/4RDzsiD95U
— Joel Fischer
(@realJoelFischer) September 16, 2024
The comedian was temporarily pulled off the air after he made a joke about Trump’s reaction to a nationwide matter.
Upon Kimmel’s return to TV, Trump boasted, “I think we’re going to test ABC out on this. Let’s see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative.”
His fiery words were accompanied by a photo of Sharpton, circa the late ’90s, before his weight loss transformation. The mocking of Sharpton’s overweight stature prompted one person to comment, “”What tf did Al Sharpton do to him?”
Another said, “Trump’s getting a tad too comfortable with his insults. First thing he needs to do is get a mirror.”
Trump is very angry at Al Sharpton. pic.twitter.com/B3wc5pSDZD
— Spencer Hakimian (@SpencerHakimian) October 6, 2025
A third detractor hit back with, “Interesting that he chooses an old pic of Al who is now slim and trim while Trump is a now lard…” A third reaction read, “Trump is now fatter than Rev Al was.” The National Action Network founder has not responded to Trump’s taunting.
Sharpton has been on his weight loss journey for years, losing close to 200 lbs. He did so by going to the gym, changing his diet and adopting fitness into his lifestyle, something many have suggested for Trump. The president has often compared himself to trained sports athletes, which goes in one and out the other once people get a side angle view with Trump.
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