Trump Praises Nexstar-Tegna Broadcast TV Deal He Once Opposed

The $6.2 billion acquisition would bring together two major local media companies.

Published on Feb. 9, 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 cited the need for more competition against "the Fake News National TV Networks" and said the acquisition would "help knock out the Fake News." The deal would combine two major local media companies with significant holdings across the country.

Why it matters

The Nexstar-Tegna merger reflects ongoing consolidation in the local broadcast television industry, as companies seek to gain scale to compete with national networks and tech giants. Trump's endorsement of the deal, after previously criticizing it, highlights the political dynamics around media ownership and the president's ongoing feud with mainstream media outlets.

The details

Nexstar, which oversees more than 200 owned and partner stations in 116 markets, announced the acquisition of Tegna, which owns 64 news stations across 51 markets, in August 2026. The deal requires regulatory approval. In November 2025, Trump had criticized the purchase, saying he would not be happy if it "would also allow the Radical Left Networks to 'enlarge'." But Trump has now endorsed the deal, saying it will "help knock out the Fake News" by increasing competition.

  • Nexstar announced the $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna in August 2026.
  • In November 2025, Trump criticized the proposed deal.
  • On February 9, 2026, Trump endorsed the Nexstar-Tegna deal on social media.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who has been a vocal critic of mainstream media outlets and has now endorsed the Nexstar-Tegna broadcast television deal.

Nexstar Media Group

A major local broadcast television company that owns and operates more than 200 stations across the country.

Tegna

A broadcast television company that owns 64 news stations across 51 markets in the United States.

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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)

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 merger, after previously criticizing it, highlights the ongoing political tensions around media ownership and the president's continued attacks on mainstream news outlets. The deal reflects broader consolidation in the local broadcast television industry as companies seek to gain scale to compete with national networks and tech giants.