President Trump hinted at creating his own news network to oppose CNN.
Speaking to a crowd at an event in The Villages, Florida, on Thursday, the president suggested that a new news platform should be created to counter organizations like CNN, which he frequently decries as publishing “fake news.”
“CNN is a voice that seems to be the voice out there. It’s a terrible thing for our country,” Trump told those at the rally. “We ought to start our own network and put some real news out there, because they are so bad for our country.”
“We’re looking at that. We should do something about it, too,” Trump continued. “Put some really talented people and get a real voice out there, not a voice that’s fake.”
This is not the first time Trump floated the concept. He drew criticism for a tweet in November 2018 that suggested the formation of a state-run network.
“While CNN doesn’t do great in the United States based on ratings, outside of the U.S. they have very little competition. Throughout the world, CNN has a powerful voice portraying the United States in an unfair and false way. Something has to be done, including the possibility of the United States starting our own Worldwide Network to show the World the way we really are, GREAT!” Trump said.
….and false way. Something has to be done, including the possibility of the United States starting our own Worldwide Network to show the World the way we really are, GREAT!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 26, 2018
Thursday’s comments come as Trump is being investigated by House Democrats as part of an impeachment inquiry. The inquiry was launched after an anonymous whistleblower filed a complaint with the intelligence community inspector general alleging that Trump used his position of power to push Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate political rival Joe Biden.
[Related: ‘You’re corrupt’: Trump blasts media as he scolds reporter during raucous press conference]
