In a significant shift, former President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed the proposed $6.2 billion merger between Nexstar Media Group and Tegna. This endorsement comes after Trump had previously expressed concerns about the deal’s potential impact on media consolidation. His latest statement on social media urges the deal’s completion, framing it as a move to increase competition against perceived “Fake News” networks.
President Trump took to social media platform Truth Social to voice his support for the Nexstar-Tegna merger. He stated, “We need more competition against THE ENEMY, the Fake News National TV Networks.” He further elaborated that “Good Deals get done like Nexstar – Tegna will help knock out the Fake News because there will be more competition, and at a higher and more sophisticated level.” Trump also addressed opposition to the deal, suggesting critics “don’t fully understand how good the concept of this Deal is for them, but they will in the future. GET THAT DEAL DONE!”
This stance is a notable departure from his previous comments in November, when he expressed apprehension about the deal potentially allowing “Radical Left Networks to ‘enlarge.'” At that time, he advocated for smaller networks and maintaining TV ownership caps.
The proposed acquisition, announced in August 2025, would combine Nexstar’s extensive portfolio of over 200 stations with Tegna’s 64 stations, significantly expanding their reach across the U.S. television market. The deal is anticipated to close in the latter half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
A critical aspect of the merger is the Federal Communications Commission‘s (FCC) ownership rules. Currently, the FCC prohibits a single company from owning broadcast stations reaching more than 39% of U.S. households. For the Nexstar-Tegna deal to proceed, the FCC would likely need to lift or modify this rule. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has publicly supported Trump’s latest stance, emphasizing the need for increased competition against larger media conglomerates.
While Trump’s endorsement could influence regulatory bodies, some conservative media outlets remain critical. Newsmax, for instance, issued a statement expressing strong opposition, arguing that the merger would lead to “dangerous consolidation that will limit competition, harm conservative voices and dramatically increase consumer cable bills.” They urged the President to reconsider his position, recalling his earlier concerns.
Nexstar has positioned the deal as a move towards deregulation and leveling the playing field against Big Tech and legacy media giants. The company’s CEO, Perry Sook, has previously stated that the merger aims to enhance local broadcasters’ ability to compete effectively. The deal also comes amid a broader trend of media consolidation and the ongoing shift of audiences from traditional cable to streaming services.