Billy Bush, former NBC anchor, accused major networks of bias and campaigning to undermine Donald Trump during his 2016 presidential run. In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Bush claimed networks,

including ABC News, created investigative units to dig up dirt on Trump, which he called “activism, not journalism.” He also highlighted the media frenzy over a leaked 2005 hot mic,

tape featuring Trump’s crude comments, which damaged his campaign and cost Bush his job at NBC.Bush named CNN’s Jeff Zucker and other network executives as key figures in pushing anti-Trump narratives.

He criticized the media for focusing on sensational stories instead of policy, arguing this undermined fair reporting. Despite the backlash, Trump’s supporters remained loyal, and he won the election. The controversy surrounding the tape and Bush’s firing raised questions about media ethics, influencing public trust in journalism.