Several major cable networks, including ABC News and NBC News, have announced that they will not broadcast President Donald Trump's election security speech live on their television channels on Thursday evening. Instead, the speech will be available on their digital streaming platforms. Trump is expected to address issues related to election integrity and declassified findings regarding interference in the 2020 election during the Oval Office address scheduled for 9 p.m.
ABC News confirmed that it will stream the speech on ABC News Live and ABC News Radio, with plans for comprehensive coverage in regular network newscasts. NBC News will provide a livestream of the speech on its digital service, NBC News NOW, and will air a special report following the remarks.
The decision to limit the broadcast has sparked discussion among political figures. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez suggested that media networks should deplatform the speech, while some Republicans, including outgoing Senator John Cornyn, have urged Trump to focus on the upcoming 2026 elections rather than revisiting 2020.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the media's concerns about airing the speech, encouraging networks to broadcast it and suggesting that Trump may discuss various topics, including the war with Iran and economic issues. Leavitt emphasized the importance of allowing the public to hear directly from the president.