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FCC chairman responds to Trump's tweet about NBC's broadcast license
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai responded to President Donald Trump's challenge of the First Amendment and freedom of the press. "The FCC under my leadership will stand for the First Amendment," Pai said. (Oliver Douliery/AFP/Getty Images)

FCC chairman responds to Trump's tweet about NBC's broadcast license

What did the FCC chairman say?

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, a Republican, commented on President Donald Trump's challenge to the First Amendment on Wednesday during a forum.

"Under the law, the FCC does not have the authority to revoke a license of a broadcast station based on the content. The FCC under my leadership will stand for the First Amendment," Pai said.

What did Trump say about NBC's broadcast license?

Trump hinted last week that he would consider shutting down NBC News and other networks because of what he said was "fake news."

"With all of the Fake News coming out of NBC and the Networks, at what point is it appropriate to challenge their License? Bad for country!" Trump tweeted last Wednesday.

He continued the next day, expressing interest in revoking certain network's licenses.

"Network news has become so partisan, distorted and fake that licenses must be challenged and, if appropriate, revoked. Not fair to public!" Trump tweeted Thursday.

The FCC is the independent federal agency responsible for issuing licenses to individual broadcast stations on a staggered schedule for eight-year periods.

What prompted Trump to make the controversial statement?

Trump made the comment shortly after NBC News reported that he sought a 10-fold increase in the country's nuclear arsenal.

What are others saying about it?

Conservatives, Get Real with Yourselves and Denounce Trump’s Attacks on the Press - National Review

● Trump is not threatening the First Amendment; Americans' ignorance of what it means most definitely is - Fox News

● Why Trump's Threats Against Media Licenses Might Actually Violate the First Amendment - Reason

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