Key facts
- President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver a primetime speech on election security.
- The White House is considering releasing intelligence related to China's potential interference in U.S. elections.
- Some officials express concern that the intelligence might be misleading or exaggerated.
- U.S. television networks are weighing whether to carry the speech live.
- Democrats have urged networks not to air the address, citing concerns about Trump repeating debunked claims.
U.S. television networks are deliberating whether to broadcast President Donald Trump's upcoming primetime speech on election security, scheduled for Thursday. The White House is considering using the address to disclose sensitive intelligence regarding China's intention or ability to interfere in U.S. elections, though some officials worry this intelligence may be misleading or exaggerated. Trump has a history of questioning electoral integrity and promoting unsubstantiated claims of fraud. Some Democrats, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have urged networks not to air the speech, arguing Trump is likely to repeat debunked claims. Major networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC, as well as CNN and Fox News, have not commented on their plans to carry the address. Declining to air the speech could risk angering the administration, which has previously exerted pressure on broadcast networks. Several networks face ongoing regulatory inquiries or have experienced internal turmoil related to ownership and editorial decisions.