Trump returns to Washington amid free speech debate and foreign policy pressures

President Donald Trump is back in Washington following a royal reception in the U.K.

(NBC)- President Donald Trump is back in Washington following a royal reception in the U.K., where his visit ended with renewed debate over free speech, media, and foreign policy.

On Air Force One, Trump suggested that certain broadcast networks critical of him could face the loss of their licenses. “They give me only bad publicity or press,” Trump said. “I would think maybe their license should be taken away. It will be up to Brendan Carr.” His comments referenced the FCC chairman, who had previously criticized ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Shortly afterward, the network pulled Kimmel’s show indefinitely following the comedian’s remarks about the political fallout surrounding the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The controversy sparked heated free speech questions at a joint press conference with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Supporters of Trump in London called for broader protections, while protesters accused the president of silencing dissent. “If he doesn’t like somebody he gets rid of them,” said one critic.

The two leaders also confronted pressing foreign policy issues. Trump reiterated his opposition to Britain’s plan to formally recognize a Palestinian state, while Starmer urged the U.S. president to intensify pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt the war in Ukraine.

Back in Washington, Trump’s attention now shifts to a planned call with Chinese President Xi Jinping. At the top of the agenda: finalizing a deal to keep TikTok available to millions of American users through a sale involving Oracle and other investors.