Ofcom Urged to Investigate GB News Interview with Donald Trump Over Inaccurate Claims and Impartiality Concerns
Ofcom is considering whether to launch a formal investigation into GB News following complaints about its November interview with former US President Donald Trump. The complaints allege that the programme broadcast misleading and unchallenged claims, potentially breaching due impartiality rules.
During the interview, Trump made several controversial statements, including denying human-caused climate change, asserting that London has no-go police areas and sharia law, and claiming wind power to be the most expensive energy source. Critics have argued GB News failed to challenge these assertions effectively. The complaints also point to disputed claims regarding red tape and taxes on North Sea drilling, which recent research contradicts.
At least three detailed complaints, co-signed by tens of thousands of people, are currently under review by Ofcom. Chris Banatvala, Ofcom's founding director of standards, described the case as a notable example of a UK broadcaster seemingly colluding with a foreign president to spread misinformation and called for an investigation.
During the interview, GB News host Bev Turner was accused of not challenging key claims and was noted to have praised Trump, including endorsing a speech he gave at the UN.
GB News positions itself as a platform that amplifies Trump administration talking points and has even been promoted by Trump's White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. An Ofcom spokesperson said that the complaints are being assessed but no decision on an investigation has yet been made. GB News declined to comment on the complaints.
