Trump calls for TV network licenses to be challenged

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US President Donald Trump on Wednesday evening called for network news licenses to be "challenged, and if appropriate, revoked" over "partisan, distorted and fake" coverage.

He was reacting to an unflattering story about his nuclear policy. NBC, the television network behind Trump's former show The Apprentice, reported that the president last summer told generals and security aides "he wanted what amounted to a nearly tenfold increase in the US nuclear arsenal."

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Trump denied report, calling it "made up."

"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.

The US constitution guarantees press freedom, but television networks rely on access to broadcast frequencies granted by government agencies.

US President Donald Trump walks with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson at the White House in Washington, US, on October 11, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Citing three officials who were in the room, NBC said Trump's response came when he was shown a slide showing the steady reduction of nukes since the 1960s.

After the briefing, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is alleged to have called Trump a "moron," although Tillerson's spokeswoman has denied that allegation.

Speaking during a photo opportunity with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday, Trump denied requesting more weapons.

US President Donald Trump welcomes Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the White House in Washington, US, on October 11, 2017. /Reuters Photo

"It is frankly disgusting the way the press is able to write whatever they want to write, and people should look into it," he said at the White House.

When asked if he wanted to increase the country's arsenal, Mr Trump said he only ever discussed keeping it in "perfect condition."

To increase the arsenal would abrogate key international arms control treaties and upend decades of non-proliferation policy.

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"Fake @NBCNews made up a story that I wanted a "tenfold" increase in our U.S. nuclear arsenal. Pure fiction, made up to demean. NBC = CNN!" Trump tweeted.

As president and as a candidate Trump has often mused aloud about America's nuclear weapons power, saying there is no point in having them if you do not use them.

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Source(s): AFP