Trump: ‘Fake news networks’ afraid of competition from Sinclair

President Trump on Tuesday took swipes at CNN, NBC, ABC and CBS, labeling them “fake news” and suggesting that they pushed back at a recent editorial from Sinclair Broadcasting Group because they are “jealous” of the network.

“The Fake News Networks, those that knowingly have a sick and biased AGENDA, are worried about the competition and quality of Sinclair Broadcast. The ‘Fakers’ at CNN, NBC, ABC & CBS have done so much dishonest reporting that they should only be allowed to get awards for fiction!” the president tweeted.

The Fake News Networks, those that knowingly have a sick and biased AGENDA, are worried about the competition and quality of Sinclair Broadcast. The “Fakers” at CNN, NBC, ABC & CBS have done so much dishonest reporting that they should only be allowed to get awards for fiction!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 3, 2018

The tweet is Trump’s second defending the right-leaning Sinclair since it directed many of its local affiliates to air promos bashing “fake news.” The move drew widespread criticism from journalists and other media critics.

“The sharing of biased and false news has become all too common on social media,” reads the script local anchors used. “More alarming, national media outlets are publishing these same fake stories without checking facts first.”

Trump frequently attacks the news media, and uses the term “fake news” to dismiss negative coverage of his administration or the ongoing probe into possible ties between his campaign and Russia.

In January, the White House in conjunction with the Republican National Committee (RNC) presented the “Fake News Awards” to The New York Times and ABC News, among other outlets, for “unrelenting bias, unfair news coverage, and even downright fake news” about the Trump administration.