Trump Attacks 'Late Night Morons' Over Iran War Coverage

FCC Chairman Threatens Broadcasters' Licenses Amid Administration's Displeasure

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:49pm

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President Donald Trump continued his attacks on late-night TV hosts, calling them 'Late Night Morons' and accusing them of using their platforms to 'perpetuate LIES' about the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump ally, threatened to revoke the licenses of broadcasters who do not operate 'in the public interest', sparking concerns over press freedom from Democratic leaders.

Why it matters

Trump's attacks on the press and attempts to punish unfavorable coverage raise serious concerns about the administration's commitment to the First Amendment and a free, independent media. As the war in Iran continues, the public relies on journalists to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on the conflict and the government's actions.

The details

In a social media rant, Trump called out late-night TV hosts for their 'gigantic Salaries' and 'horrible Ratings,' saying they use their platforms to spread lies. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, threatened to revoke the licenses of broadcasters who do not operate 'in the public interest,' a move Democratic leaders have condemned as 'flagrantly unconstitutional.' The president's attacks come as his administration fumes over unfavorable media coverage of the war in Iran.

  • On March 17, 2026, President Trump posted his rant against late-night TV hosts on his personal social media network.

The players

Donald Trump

The 79-year-old former president of the United States who continues to attack the media and threaten press freedoms.

Jimmy Kimmel

A veteran late-night TV host who fired back at Trump's attacks, joking that the president's gratitude toward the FCC chairman is 'like a ventriloquist complimenting his dummy on a joke.'

Brendan Carr

The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) who threatened to revoke the licenses of broadcasters that do not operate 'in the public interest,' drawing condemnation from Democratic leaders.

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California who called Carr's threats against the press 'flagrantly unconstitutional.'

Pete Hegseth

The former Fox News host and current Defense Secretary who has repeatedly attacked the media's coverage of the Iran war, demanding a more 'patriotic press.'

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What they’re saying

“Carr's threats against the press have been flagrantly unconstitutional.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (thedailybeast.com)

“You're a sensitive little snowflake, and you're on a crusade against the free press.”

— Jimmy Kimmel (Jimmy Kimmel Live)

What’s next

The FCC is expected to hold a hearing on the potential revocation of broadcast licenses in the coming weeks, as the Trump administration continues to clash with the media over its coverage of the Iran war.

The takeaway

Trump's attacks on late-night hosts and threats against the press, enabled by his allies in the FCC, represent a dangerous erosion of the First Amendment and the public's right to a free and independent media. As the Iran war rages on, the American people must remain vigilant in defending the freedom of the press, which is essential for holding the government accountable and ensuring the public has access to accurate, unbiased information.