Trump speech set as networks refuse election broadcast
President Donald Trump is set to deliver a primetime Trump speech on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET, teasing “really big news” on election security. ABC and NBC will skip the live broadcast, carrying it only on streaming, as speculation mounts over 2020 claims, the SAVE America Act, and possible Iran remarks.
Key Takeaways
- Trump’s address is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET Thursday after he promised “really big news” tied to “free and fair elections.”
- ABC and NBC will not air the speech live on broadcast TV; both plan streaming coverage and later special reports.
- White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the remarks “will shock you” and tied them to the stalled SAVE America Act.
- Officials also flagged a wider “potpourri” agenda, including possible comments on the war with Iran and Hormuz shipping disruption.
What is the Trump speech expected to cover?
According to The Guardian, Trump will address the nation in a live primetime televised speech amid fevered speculation about election security and the war with Iran.
He raised expectations himself, promising “really big news” without specifics. On Tuesday at the White House he told reporters: “It doesn’t get bigger, because without free and fair elections, you don’t have a country.”
White House officials have described the speech as “a potpourri,” signaling elections may not be the only theme. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt urged networks to carry the address and let “the American people draw their own conclusions.”
Leavitt also previewed a push for the SAVE America Act, stalled legislation that would tighten voter ID requirements, and said the speech “will shock you.”
Why are major networks skipping the live broadcast?
The Telegraph reported that NBC and ABC will not show the 9 p.m. EDT address on live television. Both will carry it on streaming services and run a special report afterward.
ABC News told The Telegraph it will run the speech on ABC News Live and ABC News Radio with anchored coverage, and is prepared to break into network programming if significant developments occur.
Broadcasters appear wary of airing claims Trump has repeatedly made without evidence that the 2020 election was stolen. Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez urged networks not to platform “lies about our elections.”
Sources told CBS News Trump was expected to allege Chinese meddling in 2020, including compromised voter data. The National Intelligence Council previously assessed with “high confidence” that China did not try to influence the outcome, while noting a minority view that Beijing sought to undermine Trump’s bid.
Why does this matter for markets and voters?
The address coincides with Trump’s push for the SAVE America Act. The Guardian notes he remains preoccupied with his 2020 loss to Joe Biden, which he continues to falsely claim was caused by voter fraud.
It also follows resumed U.S. strikes on Iran after Trump jettisoned a ceasefire deal. The Strait of Hormuz has been largely closed to commercial shipping since the war began on 28 February, helping send global energy costs soaring—an angle closely watched on BlasterPost Fintech & Crypto Alerts.
Trump has given few set-piece White House addresses; an adviser quoted by Axios via The Guardian said the White House wants “the rhythm” of primetime speeches to underscore importance. For viewers, the practical answer is clear: the Trump speech will still be available via ABC and NBC streaming even if those linear networks pass.