TCM Airs 'Gaslight' During Trump's SOTU Speech

The cable TV channel has been accused of "trolling" the former president with its choice of programming.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Turner Classic Movies (TCM) was criticized for airing the 1944 film "Gaslight" during the time slot of former President Donald Trump's State of the Union address. The film's plot about a husband trying to make his wife believe she is going insane has been interpreted as a commentary on Trump's alleged use of "gaslighting" tactics during his presidency.

Why it matters

The term "gaslighting" originates from the 1938 play "Gas Light" and the 1944 film adaptation "Gaslight", which popularized the term as a recognized psychological term for a form of coercive control and emotional abuse. The Trump administration has been accused of gaslighting on several occasions throughout Trump's time in the White House.

The details

TCM aired "Gaslight" from 7 P.M. CST, the same time Trump was due to deliver his State of the Union address. The film's synopsis reads: "A devoted bride's groom is trying to make her insane as part of his plot to murder her." Many on social media interpreted this as a deliberate troll by TCM against the former president.

  • TCM aired "Gaslight" from 7 P.M. CST on February 25, 2026, the same time as Trump's State of the Union address.

The players

Turner Classic Movies (TCM)

A cable TV channel that is known for airing classic films.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who has been accused of using "gaslighting" tactics during his presidency.

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What they’re saying

“And the award for Best Troll By A Cable Channel goes to Turner Classic Movies, which will be showing GASLIGHT tonight during the SOTU.10/10 no notes.”

— Ami Berger (Threads)

“It might be a coincidence, but I'm laughing that TCM has programmed Gaslight opposite the State of the Union.”

— Robin Celeste (Threads)

“The level of troll tonight by @tcm during the State of the Union is chef's kiss.”

— Danny Deraney, Publicist (Threads)

“The counter programming at @tcm remains unmatched.”

— Patton Oswalt, Comedian (Threads)

“@tcm broadcasting Gaslight during the SOTU is peak level trolling and I AM HERE FOR IT!!!”

— Liz Perrine, Author (Threads)

The takeaway

TCM's decision to air the classic film "Gaslight" during former President Trump's State of the Union address has been widely interpreted as a deliberate troll against the former president, who has been accused of using "gaslighting" tactics during his time in office. The move has sparked a lively discussion on social media, with many praising TCM's counter-programming as a clever and timely commentary on the political climate.