Trump Urges Halt to Nexstar-Tegna Merger Over Local News Threats

UPDATE: Former President Donald Trump is calling for an urgent pause on the controversial merger between Nexstar Media Group and TEGNA, Inc., citing serious threats to local news integrity. The acquisition, which would consolidate control over 265 TV stations reaching over 80 percent of American households, raises alarms about the future of local journalism, a vital component of democracy.

Trump’s remarks come just days after news broke about the proposed merger, which critics argue would exacerbate the “sameness” in local news coverage, diluting the unique perspectives that local outlets provide. “This merger needs to be stopped,” Trump stated during an event on August 22, 2025, in Washington, D.C.. The former president highlighted that allowing such consolidation risks transforming local news into a homogenized product, void of critical regional insights.

The merger poses immediate risks. Legal analysts suggest that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may lack the authority to approve lifting the reach cap, a regulation designed to prevent monopolization of local media markets. The last major overhaul of the nation’s communications laws took place over two decades ago, and it was clear then that national control over local media would be detrimental to public interest.

Concerns are mounting over retransmission fees, which have skyrocketed by more than 2,000 percent in the past 15 years. Experts warn that the Nexstar-TEGNA merger would likely lead to even higher consumer costs, as consolidated station groups wield greater negotiating power against cable and satellite providers.

Trump’s intervention shines a spotlight on the potential consequences of unchecked media consolidation. Critics, including Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy, argue that the merger violates not just the spirit but the letter of regulations intended to preserve diverse local media voices. “The national audience reach cap is not an outdated rule; it’s essential for maintaining the integrity of local news,” Ruddy stated.

As discussions unfold, it’s crucial for federal regulatory bodies to thoroughly assess the implications of this merger on local political narratives and community engagement. Trump’s opposition presents an opportunity for a national conversation about the value of local news in shaping informed citizenry.

The landscape of local news is shifting rapidly. With growing concerns about media ownership and the potential for a “dumbing down” of content, stakeholders from all sides of the political spectrum must advocate for the preservation of local journalism. As the FCC prepares to review the merger, public discourse will be vital in determining the future of local news in America.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as we monitor the implications for local communities and journalistic integrity.