Former President Donald Trump has unleashed a wave of criticism against ABC News following a debate that featured real-time fact-checking of his statements. Trump, disgruntled by what he perceived as unfair treatment, suggested that ABC should be stripped of its broadcasting license. This debate, which pitted him against Vice President Kamala Harris, has stoked considerable controversy due to its moderation style.

Trump condemned ABC's approach, comparing it unfavorably to a previous debate on CNN, and hinted at possibly skipping future debates, Daily Mail reported.

Throughout his presidency and continuing into his post-presidential life, Trump has frequently targeted media outlets that he feels misrepresent his words or actions. His comments post-debate have sparked discussions about press freedom and regulatory authority.

The Role of the FCC and Legal Challenges

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates broadcast licenses, granting them to individual stations rather than networks like ABC. This structure makes implementing Trump’s threat against ABC logistically and legally challenging, reflecting the complex interplay between government authority and media operations.

During the debate, Trump accused the moderators of failing to fact-check Harris with the same rigor they applied to him. He repeatedly articulated his dissatisfaction, asserting that the moderators neglected to correct alleged misstatements by Harris.

These disagreements over fact-checking highlight the contentious nature of political debates, especially as live fact-checking becomes more common.

Revisiting Debate Highlights and Public Perception

Sharp exchanges between Trump and Harris marked the debate, especially on the size and enthusiasm of rally crowds, a point Trump used to question Harris's popular appeal. These moments became some of the debate's most memorable, showcasing stark contrasts in both policy and personality between the two candidates.

After the debate, Trump expressed his views in the spin room, where candidates discuss their performances with journalists. His comments reflected ongoing displeasure with ABC’s handling of the event and uncertainty about participating in future debates.

A CNN snap poll showed Harris with a significant lead over Trump in terms of debate performance, underscoring the public's reception of the event.

Criticisms Extend Beyond Moderation Concerns

Trump lauded CNN in various media appearances following the debate, describing its approach to moderation as more honorable compared to ABC. His ongoing preference for CNN over ABC became evident throughout his commentary.

He also insinuated that the debate had been "rigged," suggesting Harris might have received the debate questions in advance. These accusations align with Trump's longstanding narrative about media and electoral bias against him.

The discussion extended fiercely to topics like "Project 2025," where Trump highlighted discrepancies in how fact-checkers handled his statements compared to Harris'.

Future Debates in Question

Trump views the initial debate as unfair, which drives his reluctance to commit to future debates. He questions the value of engaging in another debate, given his belief that the first was strongly biased against him.

His campaign sent out fundraising emails declaring a debate victory, while Trump seems to use his debate performance to assess whether another debate would be necessary or beneficial.

The ongoing saga of debate preparations and reactions exemplifies the volatile nature of political discourse in the United States, especially as elections draw near and media scrutiny intensifies.