Trump Endorses Nexstar Media's $6.2 Billion Acquisition of Tegna
Former United States President Donald Trump has publicly thrown his support behind Nexstar Media Group's planned $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna Inc., framing the massive media deal as crucial competition against what he repeatedly labels "fake news" networks. In a Truth Social post made on Saturday, February 7, 2026, Trump explicitly backed the conservative-leaning media company's move, stating it would elevate competitive dynamics in the national television landscape.
"We Need More Competition Against THE ENEMY"
In his characteristically bold social media statement, Trump declared, "We need more competition against THE ENEMY, the Fake News National TV Networks." He elaborated that allowing substantial deals like the Nexstar-Tegna merger to proceed would help counter established media outlets by introducing more sophisticated market rivalry. "Letting Good Deals get done like Nexstar - Tegna will help knock out the Fake News because there will be more competition, and at a higher and more sophisticated level," the former president asserted.
Trump also addressed opposition to the transaction, suggesting critics lack full understanding of its benefits. "Those that are opposed don’t fully understand how good the concept of this Deal is for them, but they will in the future. GET THAT DEAL DONE!" he commanded in his post, reinforcing his unwavering support for the consolidation.
Details of the Nexstar-Tegna Acquisition
The proposed acquisition, initially announced on August 19, 2025, involves Nexstar Media Group purchasing all outstanding shares of Tegna Inc. for $22 per share in an all-cash transaction. The total enterprise value of $6.2 billion includes Tegna's net debt along with estimated transaction fees and expenses. Nexstar confirmed this structure in an official statement, marking one of the most significant media mergers in recent years.
Perry A. Sook, CEO and Chairman of Nexstar, highlighted the strategic rationale behind the deal, connecting it to regulatory opportunities created during Trump's administration. "The initiatives being pursued by the Trump administration offer local broadcasters the opportunity to expand reach, level the playing field, and compete more effectively with the Big Tech and legacy Big Media companies that have unchecked reach and vast financial resources," Sook explained. He emphasized that Tegna represents the optimal vehicle for Nexstar to capitalize on these evolving market conditions.
The combined entity is poised to become a formidable local media powerhouse, better equipped to navigate today's fragmented and rapidly changing media environment. This merger is seen as a direct response to the growing dominance of digital platforms and consolidated national media corporations.
Market Reaction and Investor Focus
Following Trump's public endorsement, Nexstar Media Group and Tegna Inc. stocks are expected to be closely watched by US market participants in the coming week. Prior to the weekend post, Nexstar's stock had already closed 1.45% higher at $221.27 in Friday's trading session, while Tegna shares edged up 0.32% to $19.07 at market close, according to MarketWatch data.
Trump's intervention adds a significant political dimension to the business transaction, potentially influencing regulatory perceptions and investor sentiment. His history of criticizing mainstream media as "fake news" lends particular weight to his support for this alternative media consolidation.
The deal represents a major shift in the American media landscape, combining two substantial broadcasting groups under a conservative-friendly umbrella. As regulatory reviews proceed, Trump's vocal backing could play a pivotal role in shaping public and official discourse around media ownership, competition policy, and the ongoing battle over narrative control in national news coverage.
