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From ABC license reviews to Comey indictments, Trump's regulatory war on critics enters new phase
The Trump administration is using the immense muscle of federal power to punish media outlets whose coverage is disparaged as overly negative.
The president has long used harsh rhetorical attacks against such companies as CNN and The New York Times, as well as individual journalists, and filed a flurry of lawsuits against them. He’s even accused the press of "seditious" conduct. I suppose we’ve grown accustomed to that.
But there is a whole new level of escalation that goes beyond intimidation. Trump and his allies are pushing the regulatory levers to force networks to spend enormous time and money to preserve their franchise.
And the biggest target right now is ABC.
TUNING OUT: WHY MANY AMERICANS ARE SICK OF THE NEWS – ESPECIALLY TRUMP NEWS
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who along with Trump has demanded Jimmy Kimmel’s firing, has launched a review of the local station licenses connected to the Disney-owned company. This legal war will drag on for years and is unlikely to succeed; only one license has ever been pulled, and that was a half-century ago.
Think about it. Why should an ABC-owned station in New York, Chicago or Los Angeles have its license jeopardized because a federal agency dislikes the network’s content?
ABC has produced 11,000 documents in the inquiry so far, which gives you an idea of the scope of the showdown.
FCC LAUNCHING PROBE INTO ABC'S 'THE VIEW' AMID CRACKDOWN ON EQUAL TIME FOR CANDIDATES
"The commission’s actions threaten to upend decades of settled law and practice and chill critical protected speech, both with respect to ‘The View’ and more broadly," ABC said in a legal filing.
Yes, "The View," the all-female talk show founded by Barbara Walters in 1997 and syndicated by ABC. That’s now a bullseye within the larger target.
The show has generally featured one conservative to balance the aggressively liberal Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar. But these days the conservative panelists are also strongly anti-Trump.
REPUBLICANS VIRTUALLY SHUT OUT OF DEM-DOMINATED TALK SHOWS AS FCC AIMS TO REFORM NETWORK BIAS
The initial filing was based on an ABC station in Houston, KTRK, stemming from a minor dispute with "The View." And as the New York Times points out, the station’s paperwork was signed by former solicitor general Paul Clement.
At issue is whether the program, which is part of ABC’s news division, should be exempt from equal-time rules.
ABC says it has invited JD Vance, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Lindsey Graham, Josh Hawley, Elon Musk, Kevin McCarthy and Marco Rubio, according to the Hollywood Reporter, but all have refused.
"The View" was given an exemption as a news show back in 2002.
Disney also notes that the FCC hasn’t gone after conservatives – or liberals – on talk radio.
We’ve seen these tactics in other realms. The Trump Justice Department last fall brought an indictment against James Comey, which was rejected by a judge. After Trump fired Pam Bondi for not getting results, the department last month brought a second, much narrower indictment against the former FBI chief despised by Trump, based solely on the posting of seashell art that said 86*47. And Comey has to hire lawyers again.
It so happens that the media, even most conservative legal commentators, are calling the case absurd.
Says National Review’s Andy McCarthy, a former federal prosecutor:
"Sure, Comey plainly did not intend to threaten bodily harm. More fundamentally, though, even if Comey’s state of mind had been sinister, he’d still be innocent because the seashell array was not an actionable threat…
LINE IN THE SAND: WHY TRUMP IS DRAWING FLAK FOR THE JAMES COMEY INDICTMENT OVER SEASHELLS
"The case must be thrown out pretrial because ‘86 47’ is not a true threat."
Look, the administration has done what it can to crack down on the press, such as booting Pentagon reporters out of the building after they refused to submit to advance censorship.
And Trump has previously collected at least $16 million apiece from earlier lawsuits against CBS and ABC.
What’s more, Trump’s friend, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison and his son David, who bought CBS without government interference, may soon control CNN as well. The expectation is that they would shift the world’s first 24-hour network, whose founder Ted Turner died last week, in a more Trump-friendly direction.
Singling out a network or program for retaliation is itself a form of sheer partisanship.
And using the unchecked levers of government against disliked journalists and programs, down to the Whoopi Goldberg level, is deeply troubling.
Remains recovered of US soldier who went missing in military exercises in Morocco, 2nd soldier still missing
The remains of a U.S. Army officer who went missing during military exercises in Morocco were recovered from the Atlantic Ocean, while the search continues for a second missing soldier, according to military officials.
The remains of 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., 27, of Richmond, Virginia, were recovered Saturday, U.S. Army Europe and Africa announced Sunday. Key, a 14A Air Defense Artillery officer, was one of two U.S. soldiers who reportedly fell from a cliff during an off-duty recreational hike near the Cap Draa Training Area on May 2.
A Moroccan military search team found Key in the water along the shoreline at about 8:55 a.m. local time Saturday, roughly one mile from where both soldiers reportedly entered the ocean, the Army said.
"Today, we mourn the loss of 1st Lt. Kendrick Key, whose remains were recovered in Morocco," Brig. Gen Curtis King, commanding general of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, said in a statement. "Our hearts are with his Family, friends, teammates, and all who knew and served alongside him. The 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command Family is grieving, and we will continue to support one another and 1st Lt. Key’s Family as we honor his life and service."
LONG-LOST SOLDIER'S GRAVE DISCOVERED AT REMOTE US NATIONAL PARK AFTER 150 YEARS
Key and the second soldier were reported missing on May 2 after participating in African Lion, an annual multinational military exercise hosted across Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana and Senegal.
The two were reported missing around 9 p.m. near the Cap Draa Training Area outside Tan-Tan, a terrain featuring mountains, desert and semi-desert plains, the Moroccan military said.
The disappearance of the two soldiers led to a search-and-rescue mission involving more than 600 personnel from the U.S., Morocco and other military partners. Ships, helicopters and drones were deployed as part of this operation.
Search efforts will continue for the second missing soldier.
PENTAGON HONORS AMERICAN TROOPS KILLED IN OPERATION EPIC FURY: 'NEVER BE FORGOTTEN'
A U.S. contingent remained in Morocco after the military exercises ended on Friday to provide command and control and to support the ongoing search and rescue mission.
Key was assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, according to the Army.
His decorations include the Army Achievement Medal and Army Service Ribbon.
He entered military service in 2023 as an officer candidate and earned his commission through Officer Candidate School the following year as an Air Defense Artillery officer. He later completed the Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Key is survived by his parents, his sister and his brother-in-law.
African Lion 26 is a U.S.-led exercise that began in April across Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana and Senegal, with more than 5,600 civilian and military personnel from more than 40 nations.
For more than 20 years, it has been the largest U.S. joint military exercise in Africa.
In 2012, two U.S. Marines were killed, and two others injured during an MV-22 Osprey crash near Cap Draa while participating in Exercise African Lion.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Israeli PM Netanyahu argues public opinion shift on Israel 'correlates almost 100%' to social media
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed on "60 Minutes" Sunday that the dramatic shift in public opinion on his country could be traced to the rise in social media.
"Israel has gone to unbelievable lengths to get innocent civilians out of harm's way," Netanyahu said. "We text message millions of text messages to them—make millions of phone calls to them, pamphlets, leaflets, you name it, OK? We have seen the deterioration of the support for Israel in the United States almost — I would say, it correlates almost 100% with the geometric rise of social media."
He continued, "And that by itself is not what caused it. And I don't believe in, you know, in censoring them or anything. But I'll tell you what happened. We have several countries that basically manipulated social media. And they do it in a clever way. And that's something that has hurt us badly."
IRAN-LINKED INFLUENCE CAMPAIGN PUSHES ANTI-ISRAEL MESSAGING DISGUISED AS US VOICES
Netanyahu acknowledged that Israel has made "mistakes" in its war against Hamas but emphasized that they were not deliberate actions.
"Israel is besieged on the media front, on the propaganda front, and we've not done well on the propaganda war," he said.
Netanyahu remarked that even host Major Garrett would not be immune to negative propaganda if there was enough pressure against him.
CONTRIBUTOR FOR FAR-LEFT OUTLET CALLS FOR 'WIPING OUT ISRAEL,' SAYS ISRAELIS 'MUSTN'T FEEL SAFE'
"I can paint you as a monster," Netanyahu said. "And if I say it often enough, enough people will believe it."
An NBC News poll in March found that only 32% of Americans view Israel positively while 39% of Americans saw the nation in a negative light. The shift was far more pronounced among Democrats and independents, while Republicans were still largely sympathetic to the Jewish state.
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This shift in opinion followed Israel's war with Gaza, as well as the U.S.-led military strikes on Iran.
During the interview, Netanyahu indicated that the war with Iran was "not over" yet despite significant accomplishments.
"I think it accomplished a great deal, but it's not over, because there's still nuclear material, enriched uranium that has to be taken out of Iran. There are still enrichment sites that have to be dismantled. There are still proxies that Iran supports. There are ballistic missiles that they still want to produce. Now, we've degraded a lot of it. But all that is still there, and there's work to be done," Netanyahu said.
Pacers president apologizes to fans after team's 'risk' backfires in NBA Draft Lottery
The Indiana Pacers’ risky move backfired after the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery saw them lose their top pick altogether in a disastrous turn of events on Sunday afternoon.
Heading into the lottery, the Pacers, who went 19-63 just one season after reaching the NBA Finals out of the Eastern Conference, had a 52.1% chance of having a top-four pick.
However, when they didn’t see their team chosen in the first four picks – Indiana also had a 14% chance of getting the No. 1 overall pick – it was time to panic.
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The reason? The Pacers included their first-round pick in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers for Ivica Zubac, but they only made it a top-four protected pick. That means, if the Pacers were chosen in the lottery as a top-four selection, they would be able to keep it.
But the Pacers were chosen as the No. 5 pick, and the Clippers now own the selection in next month’s draft.
NBA LOTTERY CHAOS: WASHINGTON WIZARDS STRIKE GOLD, PACERS PAY FOR TANKING GAMBLE NIGHTMARE
As a result, Pacers team president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard took full responsibility for the move, apologizing on social media.
"I’m really sorry to all our fans," he wrote on X. "I own taking this risk. Surprised it came up 5th after this year. I thought we were due some luck. But please remember – this team deserved a starting center to compete with the best teams next year. We have always been resilient."
The Pacers were viewed as a team that were actively tanking despite the NBA’s attempt to crack down on such a season, with the lottery being one way of that. And it clearly worked this time around.
Pritchard was trying to be transparent and honest with the Pacers fan base, but people were quick to jump in the comments to make their thoughts, and gripes, known.
"You lose Myles Turner and add Zubac," one X user began. "You lose [Benedict] Mathurin and the number 5 pick with absolutely nothing in return. This is why fans are upset, for a center who not even a top 5 center in the NBA. Who trades their future away for Ivan [sic] Zubac???"
Another X user called this a "generational draft," and couldn’t fathom the Pacers won’t be picking from a deep class.
"If I were a Pacers fan and my team traded away a top 5 pick for Ivica Zubac in the middle of a tanking season I would be beyond devastated," a fellow X user wrote.
The Pacers were without their All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton all season long after he suffered an Achilles injury during the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. But Indiana still has key members of that team returning next season, including Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and Aaron Nesmith.
However, this 2026 draft class is quite the spectacle, with many believing it to be deep considering the talent of BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, UNC’s Caleb Wilson, and Duke’s Cam Boozer, among others.
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Massive 11,000-carat ruby believed to be second-largest ever found in conflict-ridden country
A massive ruby unearthed in Burma is being hailed as the second-largest ever discovered in the conflict-ridden country.
The ruby weighs about 11,000 carats — about 4.8 pounds — and was unearthed near Mogok in the Mandalay region, the center of Burma’s gem industry and an area affected by ongoing conflict, according to The Associated Press, citing state media.
The stone was found in mid-April, shortly after the country’s traditional New Year celebrations.
Although it is roughly half the size of a 21,450-carat ruby discovered in 1996, experts say the new find could be more valuable because of its higher quality, the outlet reported.
It has a purplish-red color with slight yellow tones, moderate transparency and a highly reflective surface.
Burmese President Min Aung Hlaing and his cabinet have already inspected the stone in the country's capital of Naypyidaw.
ONCE-IN-A-CENTURY TREASURES DATING BACK 4,500 YEARS UNEARTHED IN LEGENDARY CITY
Burma produces up to 90% of the world’s rubies, mostly from Mogok and nearby Mong Hsu.
The gem trade — both legal and illegal — is a major source of income in the country.
However, rights groups, including Global Witness, have long urged jewelers to avoid buying Burmese gemstones, saying the trade helps fund the country's military governments, according to The Associated Press.
RARE 10-CARAT BLUE DIAMOND AMONG $100M WORTH OF GEMS GOING UP FOR AUCTION
Gem mining also finances ethnic armed groups fighting for autonomy, contributing to Burma’s long-running conflicts.
The mining regions remain unstable.
Mogok was seized in July 2024 by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic armed group. Control later returned to the military under a ceasefire deal brokered by China late last year.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Hegseth says Pentagon will review Mark Kelly's public statements about classified briefing amid ongoing feud
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Sunday suggested Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., may have violated his oath with comments he made to a news outlet following a classified briefing.
Kelly told Margaret Brennan on Face the Nation that it is "shocking how deep we have gone into these magazines" when asked if the Pentagon has updated lawmakers on the Iran war's impact on U.S. weapons stockpiles.
The senator told Brennan the Tomahawks, Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), RIM-161 Standard Missile 3 (SM-3), Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) rounds and Patriot rounds used to defend the U.S. have been hit hard, adding that it will take years to replenish those stockpiles, which could affect a hypothetical U.S. conflict with China.
In response, Hegseth questioned whether Kelly, a former Navy pilot, may have violated his oath and said the Pentagon's legal counsel will review his comments.
FEDERAL JUDGE BLOCKS PENTAGON FROM DEMOTING MARK KELLY OVER CONTROVERSIAL MILITARY VIDEO
"'Captain' Mark Kelly strikes again," Hegseth wrote on X.
"Now he’s blabbing on TV (falsely & dumbly) about a *CLASSIFIED* Pentagon briefing he received," he continued. "Did he violate his oath… again? @DeptofWar legal counsel will review."
The senator clapped back, saying Hegseth had revealed similar information at a recent hearing and that it was not classified.
"We had this conversation in a public hearing a week ago and you said it would take 'years' to replenish some of these stockpiles," Kelly responded on X. "That’s not classified, it’s a quote from you. This war is coming at a serious cost and you and the president still haven’t explained to the American people what the goal is."
This comes amid a months-long dispute between Hegseth and Kelly over the senator's participation in a video with some of his Democratic colleagues in Congress urging U.S. military members to ignore "illegal" orders.
The DOJ has opened an investigation into the video posted online featuring six Democratic lawmakers calling on troops and members of the intelligence community to defy illegal orders from the federal government. The lawmakers all served in the military or at intelligence agencies.
In addition to Kelly, the other lawmakers in the video were Sens. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, as well as Reps. Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire and Jason Crow of Colorado.
"This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens," the lawmakers said in the video. "Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this Constitution. Right now, the threats coming to our Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad but from right here at home. Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution."
Grand jurors declined to sign off on charges against the lawmakers in February.
In November, the Pentagon launched an investigation into Kelly, pointing to a federal law that allows retired service members to be recalled to active duty on orders of the secretary for possible court-martial or other punishment.
Hegseth has censured Kelly and has attempted to retroactively demote him from his retired rank of captain over his participation in the video, which affirms that refusing unlawful orders is a standard part of military protocol.
But a federal court ruling blocked the Pentagon from demoting the lawmaker over the video. The court also found the Pentagon likely violated Kelly’s First Amendment rights, and those of "millions of military retirees," when it formally censured him on Jan. 5.
Hegseth subsequently appealed that ruling.
Last week, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit heard oral arguments and appeared largely skeptical of Hegseth’s attempt to punish Kelly for the video.
"I will not back down from this fight," Kelly said after the hearing.
President Donald Trump had accused the lawmakers of being "traitors" who engaged in "sedition at the highest level" and "should be in jail" after the video was posted last fall. He even suggested they should be executed over the video, although he later attempted to walk that comment back.
Slotkin, who previously worked at the CIA and Pentagon, was targeted with a bomb threat just days after the clip and Trump's subsequent statements suggesting the Democrats be executed.
Spurs lose Victor Wembanyama to first career ejection after violent elbow in Western Conference semis
Victor Wembanyama is due for more sessions with those Shaolin monks. The French phenom found himself in early foul trouble of the worst kind on Mother's Day.
The San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was ejected from Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals after a heated exchange in the paint with Minnesota’s Naz Reid.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
The ejection occurred with 8:39 left in the first half at the Target Center.
Wembanyama was swinging, hoping to shield the ball after a rebound when he unleashed a high right elbow, which caught Reid squarely in the chin, sending the Timberwolves forward to the hardwood.
Spurs teammate Dylan Harper was left gobsmacked by the hit, just steps away from it.
Officials initially called a common foul but moved to a video review as the Minnesota crowd grew restless.
After examining the replay, the call was upgraded to a Flagrant 2.
Wembanyama left the floor with just four points and four rebounds in 12 minutes of action. His absence left the Spurs without their primary defensive anchor in a pivotal road matchup.
Reid hit both resulting free throws.
This marks the first time in Wembanyama's professional career that he has been booted from a game.
The NBA will likely review the incident for potential further discipline.
Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela
Maine Democrat Graham Platner claims tax-the-rich policies aren't 'trying' hard enough
Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner suggested that real plans to tax the rich have not been properly tried in a new interview.
While appearing on the "More Perfect Union" podcast on Thursday, Platner discussed his goal to rein in billionaires, believing that they have "too much power" and are "currently running the country" instead of President Donald Trump.
Platner was then asked how he could implement policies to go after billionaires, such as higher taxes, that do not also affect small businesses as they have in the past.
"I think, and I'll just be upfront, I think that the reason that it's hit the middle class every time they try is that they're not actually trying," Platner said. "Because if they did, it would bother the people that donate the most money to them. And in this political system, that's all any of these folks seem to care about."
Platner remarked that his old college roommate, who became an IRS agent, gave him insight into how government organizations are encouraged to target small businesses over billionaires.
GRAHAM PLATNER UNVEILS PLAN TO 'SHUT THIS WHITE HOUSE DOWN,' STOP TRUMP ADMIN FROM FUNCTIONING
"And for years, he would always tell me, he’s like, 'You know, it's very funny. When our budget gets cut, our bosses come down and say, it is time to go after small- and medium-sized businesses, because we don't have the manpower or the resources to go tangle with a billionaire's legal team.' It's much easier just to go down and go after just a small [business]," Platner said.
He continued, "And what's amazing to me is we're doing that, meanwhile, the total amount of uncollected taxes from corporations in this country, is in the hundreds of billions of dollars."
'WE'RE TAXING THE RICH': NYC MAYOR MAMDANI TOUTS NEW $500M-A-YEAR TAX ON LUXURY SECOND HOMES
Fox News Digital reached out to Platner's campaign for comment.
Platner's hope to target billionaires comes as fellow progressive and current New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani pushes his latest "tax the rich" policy on luxury homes.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist, also recently laughed off concerns of wealthy residents leaving her city due to higher taxes.
Yordan Alvarez trade talk heats up as Astros sit in last place with a wave of devastating injuries
The Houston Astros have been one of Major League Baseball’s most consistent franchises in the modern era. Over the last decade, the Astros have the second-most wins and second-highest winning percentage of any organization at 890-627.
They’ve won two World Series titles, one in 2022 and the other in 2017. Though that 2017 championship is marred by one of the most egregious cheating scandals in baseball history.
They’ve made the World Series four times since 2017, won the AL West seven out of eight years, and made the postseason eight years in a row. That streak ended in 2025, when a slew of injuries led to an 87-75 season. 2026 was supposed to be a return to form, led by ace Hunter Brown, new import Tatsuya Imai, closer Josh Hader, one of the best handful of hitters in baseball, Yordan Alvarez, and hope for a resurgent season back in Houston for Carlos Correa.
Fast forward to mid-May, and the Astros are, well, bad. After yet another loss on Sunday, they’ve dropped to 16-25, sit tied for last place in the division, and have the second-worst run differential in the American League.
ASTROS' $54M PITCHER BLAMES ARM FATIGUE ON STRUGGLE TO ADJUST TO AMERICAN LIFESTYLE
That’s just the start of their problems.
Brown has been on the injured list for most of the season with a shoulder strain. Josh Hader has yet to pitch this year after suffering left biceps tendinitis. Jeremy Pena has been out since mid-April with a hamstring strain. Imai went down with arm fatigue after a brutal start to his MLB career, then blamed that arm fatigue on a tough adjustment to the US lifestyle. Christian Javier is out with a shoulder strain of his own.
Then, the big blow. Just last week, Correa went down for the season with a torn ankle tendon, an injury that occurred during batting practice.
ASTROS STAR CARLOS CORREA OUT FOR THE SEASON AFTER TEARING ANKLE TENDON DURING BATTING PRACTICE
Some of these injured players are set to return in the coming weeks, but it’s raising a difficult question for a team that’s always a part of the postseason conversation: Is it time to sell? The free agent market after the 2026 season isn’t a strong one, and the headliner, Tarik Skubal, is going to miss time with an injury of his own. Could Houston sell Alvarez and rebuild for next year and beyond?
Bob Nightengale from USA Today broached that topic, quoting a "veteran scout" who likened Alvarez to Barry Bonds. Another executive said any potential trade package would be gigantic.
"He’s the greatest pure hitter I’ve seen in this game since Barry Bonds," the scout said. "This guy is unbelievable. He’s the best pure hitter in the game, and it’s not close."
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"If they traded him, I think they’d get a better package than what the Nationals got for Juan Soto," added the executive.
Nightengale added that no deal is close, and it remains unlikely, but the Astros would be irresponsible not to listen if such an offer presents itself. Alvarez is, once again, having an outstanding season. Entering Sunday, he was hitting .327/.432/.660 with 13 home runs, good for a 195 weighted runs created plus and 2.1 wins above replacement.
He’s still just 28-years-old, and signed through the 2028 season. Though he has little defensive value, his offensive contributions are so valuable he’d bring back a number of top prospects. And any number of teams would be interested.
The Mets, for example, are desperate for help on offense. The Boston Red Sox could be aggressive, and have the prospects to swing a deal. San Francisco under Buster Posey has shown a willingness to make big trades. There won’t be a shortage of suitors, if Alvarez is made available. And given Houston’s aging roster, overwhelming injuries, and poor start, maybe he should be.
Union-funded anti-Spencer Pratt ad sparks backlash as critics say it could help him
A political advertisement opposing Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt is drawing attention online as critics argue the messaging could ultimately benefit the former reality TV star instead of hurt his campaign.
The ad, which has circulated widely on X in recent days, attacks Spencer Pratt over homelessness, policing and public employee unions while urging voters to reject the Republican candidate.
"Republican Spencer Pratt is the last thing Los Angeles needs for mayor," the speaker in the video says. "Pratt opposes using taxpayer money to build brand new houses for unhoused neighbors, saying it's time for the homeless to get help or get out.
"Pratt thinks L.A. needs thousands more police officers rather than more social workers, and Republican Spencer Pratt thinks public employee unions should have less power, not more," the ad continued. "LA is on the right track and needs to stay the course. Vote no on Republican Spencer Pratt."
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Los Angeles Ethics Commission filings show the ad was funded by an independent expenditure committee called "LA Unions Opposed to Spencer Pratt for Mayor 2026," which is sponsored by the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO.
The group reported spending $221,000 on digital advertising opposing Spencer Pratt in a Form 496 filing.
The tone and framing of the ad quickly sparked reaction online, with some users suggesting the criticisms could resonate with voters frustrated by conditions in Los Angeles rather than weaken Spencer Pratt’s campaign.
SPENCER PRATT IS STANDOUT LA MAYORAL CANDIDATE IN DEBUT DEBATE PERFORMANCE: '10/10 NO NOTES'
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, amplified the video on X, writing, "This attack ad could well elect Pratt."
Some users on X also mocked the ad’s messaging. One user wrote, "This is supposed to be an attack ad??? Lolol." Another wrote, "Wow even @UnrigLA is running ads supporting Spencer Pratt. This is such an incredible ad supporting Spencer Pratt!!!"
Fox News Digital has reached out to Spencer Pratt’s campaign and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor for comment.
ROGAN BACKS REALITY TV STAR SPENCER PRATT’S BID FOR LA MAYOR, SAYS ‘I’D VOTE FOR YOU’
The ad comes as Pratt’s mayoral bid has gained attention following his performance in a recent debate, where he drew notice for his blunt criticisms of city leadership and policy priorities, including the handling of homelessness and crime.
Pratt has emphasized issues such as homelessness, public safety and government spending throughout his campaign, positioning himself as a political outsider challenging the status quo in Los Angeles and drawing support from voters dissatisfied with current leadership.
Independent expenditure committees are prohibited from coordinating with candidates and are commonly used by outside groups to influence elections, according to the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission.