FCC Republican says Trump is “rightfully venting” anger at the press

Enlarge / FCC Commissioner Michael O'Rielly listens during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, June 20, 2017. (credit: Getty Images | Bloomberg)

Republican members of the Federal Communications Commission initially remained silent about President Trump's call to challenge and possibly revoke licenses that allow NBC and other networks to remain on the air.

But Republican Commissioner Michael O'Rielly has now said that "politics" should not interfere with FCC decision-making and that the agency should remain independent. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai today also said that licenses can't be revoked because of news coverage.

Still, O'Rielly defended Trump's attacks on the media, saying the president has been treated poorly by journalists.

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