WATCH:
Karl: "You said you restored free speech in America. Does that free speech include people who strongly criticize you?" Trump: "I’ve become immune to that… That’s why your network paid me $16 million… That’s also why CBS paid me a lot of money. That’s why I sued The New York Times." Karl: "The judge dismissed the lawsuit." Trump: "I’m winning… And you’re standing there pretending to be innocent, asking me a question like that… The reason I’m winning that lawsuit is that your dishonesty has been proven. You’re not a great person. You’re a failed journalist. You know it, and I know it." https://t.co/A0p371Sgff
— X Global (@X_Global_tv) October 18, 2026
President Donald Trump got into a heated exchange with ABC News journalist Jonathan Karl after being asked whether his support for free speech also extends to people who strongly criticize him. Trump fired back by bringing up his legal battles with major media outlets, including ABC, CBS, and The New York Times. When Karl pointed out that a judge had dismissed his lawsuit, Trump insisted he was winning and accused the journalist of dishonesty. The confrontation quickly escalated as Trump called Karl a “failed journalist,” turning a question about free speech into a fiery showdown over media credibility.