Trump Praises Nexstar-Tegna Broadcast TV Deal He Once Opposed

The $6.2 billion acquisition would bring together 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 earlier 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 deal would significantly consolidate local broadcast media ownership, which some conservatives argue could limit competition and conservative voices, while Nexstar says it will allow local broadcasters to better compete with big tech and legacy media companies.

The details

Nexstar, which owns over 200 stations nationwide, announced plans in August 2026 to acquire Tegna, which owns 64 stations across 51 markets. The deal requires regulatory approval. Trump had previously criticized the acquisition, saying it could allow "Radical Left Networks to 'enlarge'". However, Nexstar and Tegna operate independently of the major broadcast networks like ABC and NBC.

  • Nexstar announced the $6.2 billion Tegna acquisition in August 2026.
  • Trump criticized the deal in November 2026, 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".

The players

Nexstar Media Group

A major broadcast television company that owns and operates over 200 stations nationwide, as well as networks like The CW and NewsNation.

Tegna

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

Donald Trump

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

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What’s next

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

The takeaway

The Nexstar-Tegna deal highlights the ongoing debate over media consolidation, with proponents arguing it will allow local broadcasters to better compete with large tech and legacy media companies, while critics warn it could limit competition and harm conservative voices.