Two major US broadcasters, ABC News and NBC News, have confirmed that they will not air President Donald Trump's primetime speech in full. The US leader is scheduled to address the nation at 2am UK time on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Broadcasters Decline Live Coverage
Both ABC News and NBC News have stated they will not broadcast Trump's speech live on their channels. The decision comes hours before the address, with the networks offering no immediate explanation for the move.
Trump has shared little detail about the content of his upcoming speech but has indicated it will contain "Really big news" regarding election security. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the president said: "It doesn't get bigger, because without free and fair elections, you don't have a country."
Expected Focus on 2020 Election
It is widely anticipated that Trump will use the address to discuss his 2020 election defeat to Joe Biden, which he continues to claim was the result of widespread voter fraud. The president has repeatedly alleged irregularities in the electoral process, though no evidence has been found to support these claims.
This is not the first time major networks have declined to air a Trump speech live. Similar decisions were made during his presidency, often citing the need to fact-check claims in real time.
As of now, it remains unclear whether other networks will carry the speech. The White House has not commented on the broadcasters' decisions.
