Trump Praises Nexstar-Tegna Broadcast TV Deal He Once Opposed

The $6.2 billion acquisition would combine two major local broadcast media companies.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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President Donald Trump has endorsed Nexstar Media Group's $6.2 billion purchase of broadcast rival Tegna, a reversal from his previous criticism of the deal. Trump now says the acquisition will help "knock out the Fake News" by increasing competition against large national TV networks.

Why it matters

The Nexstar-Tegna deal is part of a broader trend of media consolidation, as companies seek to gain scale to compete with tech giants and legacy media. Trump's support for the deal signals a shift in his stance, as he had previously criticized it for potentially allowing "Radical Left Networks to 'enlarge'."

The details

The acquisition would bring together two major local broadcast media companies - Nexstar oversees more than 200 stations in 116 markets, while Tegna owns 64 stations across 51 markets. The deal requires regulatory approval. In the past, Trump had criticized the purchase, but now says it will help increase competition against "Fake News" national TV networks.

  • In August 2026, Nexstar announced plans to acquire Tegna for $6.2 billion.
  • In November 2026, Trump initially criticized the deal, saying he would not be happy if it allowed "Radical Left Networks to 'enlarge'."
  • On February 7, 2026, Trump endorsed the Nexstar-Tegna deal, saying it will help "knock out the Fake News" by increasing competition.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who initially criticized the Nexstar-Tegna deal but has now endorsed it.

Nexstar Media Group

A major local broadcast media company that operates more than 200 owned and partner stations in 116 markets nationwide.

Tegna

A broadcast media company that owns 64 news stations across 51 markets.

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What they’re saying

“We need more competition against THE ENEMY, the Fake News National TV Networks. Letting Good Deals get done like Nexstar – Tegna will help knock out the Fake News because there will be more competition. … GET THAT DEAL DONE.”

— Donald Trump (Social media)

“The initiatives being pursued by the Trump administration offer local broadcasters the opportunity to expand reach, level the playing field, and compete more effectively with the Big Tech and legacy Big Media companies that have unchecked reach and vast financial resources.”

— Perry Sook, CEO, Nexstar Media Group (Nexstar's announcement of the deal)

What’s next

The Nexstar-Tegna deal still requires regulatory approval before it can be finalized.

The takeaway

Trump's endorsement of the Nexstar-Tegna deal represents a shift in his stance, as he had previously criticized it. The acquisition is part of a broader trend of media consolidation as companies seek to gain scale to compete with tech giants and legacy media. The deal highlights the ongoing debate around media ownership rules and the balance between competition and concentration in the industry.