Some TV networks won't air Trump's speech live

https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_blank">President Trump's prime-time speech Thursday evening won't receive live coverage among at least two of the four major TV networks — but it will be available via streaming.

The big picture: The address, which is expected to center around election security, put https://www.axios.com/2026/07/16/trump-speech-elections-networks" target="_blank">ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX between a rock and a hard place: air potentially false information about the 2020 election, or risk backlash from the White House and a confrontational Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Driving the news: NBC News said in a statement it would provide live coverage of the president's remarks on NBC News NOW, and air "a special report on the [NBC]" afterward.

• ABC said it would air the speech on its 24/7 streaming channel, ABC News Live, and ABC News Radio "with comprehensive, anchored coverage" and "in our regular network newscasts."
• ABC added that it is "prepared to break into network programming to deliver live updates and reporting should significant developments occur."
• CBS and FOX have yet to announce their plans for the speech.

Catch up quick: Trump has promised "really big news" in his 9pm ET speech, though he's signaled it will center on "free and fair elections."

Editor's note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated.