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Big 3 Broadcast Networks ABC, CBS, and NBC Will Air Primetime Trump Address

Four years ago, the broadcast networks declined to air a primetime address on immigration from Obama because it was too “overtly political.”.

Several hours after President Donald Trump announced his intention to deliver a primetime address to the nation this Tuesday night regarding what he called the “Humanitarian and National Security crisis on our Southern Border,” the three big broadcast networks—ABC, CBS, and NBC—each agreed to air his remarks live at 9 p.m. ET. Cable networks CNN, Fox News, and Fox Business all confirmed they would carry the speech, which comes amidst the ongoing partial government shutdown, earlier in the day. Four years ago, all the broadcast networks declined to air a primetime address on immigration from President Barack Obama because its content was considered too “overtly political.” CBS News reported that the White House has assured the network Trump’s speech will run no longer than eight minutes.

Later Monday, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) issued a joint statement saying the Democrats “must immediately be given equal airtime” and claiming Trump's address will likely be filled with “malice and misinformation.”