US TV networks cautious about airing Trump's address live; Democrats prebut his election claims

US President Donald Trump is set to address the nation from the White House on Thursday evening, but several television networks are showing caution about broadcasting his speech live. According to CNN chief media analyst Brian Stelter, NBC and ABC plan to stream Trump's address online but will not carry it live on television. ABC stated that its "Special Report" team is prepared to break into programming if significant developments occur. NBC officials said they plan to air a special report after the remarks.

Trump has previously hinted that his announcement will be big. On Tuesday, he told reporters: "It doesn't get bigger, because without free and fair elections, you don't have a country." White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, returning from maternity leave, told the press room on Thursday that Trump's statements will be backed by facts and evidence. She urged viewers to tune in, saying: "His forthcoming findings will shock you."

Democratic senators have already tried to preempt the impact. Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff said Trump will deliver a "presidential sour grapes address" about the 2020 election while his war in the Middle East spirals out of control and the cost of living continues to rise. Senator Raphael Warnock added: "Donald Trump lost Georgia in 2020. The votes were counted, recounted, audited, and litigated. He lost, lost, lost." Maryland Senator Angela Alsobrooks stated that the administration's attacks on election workers and raids on election offices are designed to prevent eligible citizens from voting.

Trump's address comes as the US continues military operations against Iran. US forces launched attacks on Iranian targets on Thursday, including near Tehran, and struck a ship accused of trying to break the blockade. Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones at US allies in the region.