Former President Criticizes Rev. Al Sharpton and Calls for FCC Investigation

In a recent post on social media, former President Donald Trump shared an unflattering, vintage photo of Reverend Al Sharpton from around 1988, mocking his appearance at the time. Trump also criticized Sharpton’s current television show, alleging it has the lowest ratings in history, and called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to revoke broadcast licenses from NBC and ABC.

The image, taken decades ago, shows Sharpton with a fuller face in a bright red shirt, suspenders, and a large gold pendant. Trump claimed that Sharpton’s reputation had been damaged after his involvement in the 1987 Tawana Brawley case, where a Black teenage girl falsely accused white men of assaulting her. Trump further accused Brian Roberts, Chair of NBC, of promoting Sharpton’s show, “PoliticsNation,” on MSNBC, which he called one of the lowest-rated television programs ever, suggesting Roberts was afraid to cancel the show for political reasons.

Trump also accused the networks of biased content, claiming NBC predominantly airs Democrat-friendly content, while ABC reportedly favors negative coverage of Republicans. Sharpton’s program, “PoliticsNation,” airs on MSNBC. Trump has previously called for the government to revoke licenses of various news outlets, especially those with unfavorable coverage of him.