Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) argued Tuesday that television networks have an “ethical obligation” not to air President Trump’s upcoming address to the nation if it’s not “rooted in evidence and fact.”
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“I don’t think we should be contributing to any platforming of lies about our election,” the lefty “Squad” lawmaker told a reporter on Capitol Hill.
Ocasio-Cortez suggested media outlets should review Trump’s remarks before deciding whether to put the speech on the air.
U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) speaks to reporters ahead of a vote on the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent, states with areas exempt from daylight saving time may choose the standard time for those areas, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 13, 2026. REUTERS
“Many news outlets, oftentimes, may receive transcripts, and I think we have an ethical obligation to not air things that undermine our election that are not rooted in evidence and fact,” the congresswoman continued.
She added, “Of course, it depends on the contents of his speech.”
Earlier Tuesday, Trump confirmed that his planned address to the nation Thursday night will concern “free and fair elections,” among other topics.
“It’s really, really big for us and our country has to shape up,” the president told reporters in the Oval Office. “But that’s what we’re going to be talking about.”
United States President Donald Trump met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C. Graeme Sloan / Pool via CNP
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“It doesn’t get bigger, because without free and fair elections, you don’t have a country,” he added. “We’ll be discussing other things too. But it’s going to be a very big announcement.”
It’s unclear if the White House has requested air time from the major broadcast networks for the president’s prime-time speech.
Trump’s last address to the nation was on April 1 and concerned the war in Iran.
Voting booths are set up Tuesday, June 23, 2026 during the primary elections runoff day at Hughes Academy in Greenville, South Carolina. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Prior to that speech, he delivered prime-time remarks last December touting the accomplishments of his first year back in the White House.
Trump is expected to use findings from reexamined government files to argue that the country’s election infrastructure has vulnerabilities in Thursday’s address, the Washington Post reported.
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He might also highlight information suggesting China accessed US voter data and discuss findings related to Venezuela, the outlet said, citing sources.
Trump has long claimed the 2020 presidential election was “rigged” against him.
The White House did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
