When Bruce asked why he would not exercise that power, Trump said, “As far as the Epstein files, I have nothing to do with him. I threw him out of my club many years ago because I thought he was a sick pervert.” He added, “People are wise to your hoax. Your crappy company is one of the perpetrators.”
Trump suggested the matter should be reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission and mentioned Chairman Brendan Carr by name. The FCC oversees broadcast licenses, though its authority to sanction a network over content is limited. In September, Carr publicly questioned ABC’s license after comedian Jimmy Kimmel joked about the potential assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. ABC temporarily suspended “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following Carr’s remarks, reinstating the program about a week later amid public criticism.
The clash with Bruce adds to a series of heated moments in which Trump has rebuked journalists who question him about Epstein. Earlier this month, he told a female reporter aboard Air Force One to “quiet, piggy” when asked about the same topic.
Trump has characterized demands for the records as a partisan “hoax” orchestrated by Democrats. However, several prominent supporters of his Make America Great Again movement have actively promoted the push for transparency, and House Republicans played a significant role in advancing the disclosure bill. Despite labeling the initiative a hoax, Trump has been unable to dissuade GOP lawmakers from backing the legislation.
On Sunday evening, as House passage appeared increasingly likely, the president abruptly reversed course and encouraged Republican colleagues to vote in favor of the measure. The next day, he said he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk.
Epstein and Trump were once frequent social associates but reportedly severed ties years before Epstein’s death. Emails released last week by the House Oversight Committee show Epstein referencing Trump in 2019 correspondence. In one message, Epstein wrote that Trump “knew about the girls,” though the context and veracity of that statement remain unclear.
The proposed law instructs the Justice Department to release investigative files, correspondence, and other information involving Epstein. Civil liberties advocates argue that such disclosure would shed light on how Epstein operated and whether influential figures helped shield him from scrutiny. The Justice Department has not commented publicly on the bill or on whether it would comply voluntarily with a presidential order.
Revocation of a broadcast license is rare and subject to a detailed administrative process. The FCC evaluates renewals based on technical compliance and the licensee’s character qualifications, but courts have set a high bar for any action perceived as retaliation for news coverage. Information on the agency’s process is available on the Federal Communications Commission website.
While Trump’s remarks do not initiate formal FCC proceedings, they underscore the tense relationship between the administration and major media outlets. ABC News has not responded publicly to the president’s call for license revocation. The network’s parent company, Disney, has also remained silent on the issue.
The House bill now moves to the Senate, where its prospects are uncertain. Should the chamber approve the legislation, the measure would go to the White House for the president’s signature, potentially ending the executive branch’s longstanding resistance to full disclosure of Epstein-related records.
Crédito da imagem: Bloomberg via Getty Images
