MSNBC Called Out Over Coverage of 'Maryland Man'

Kilmar Abrego Garcia

The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, referred to as the "Maryland man," has generated significant controversy, with President Donald Trump and his administration claiming that Garcia is an MS-13 gang member and foreign terrorist, while critics argue he was wrongfully deported. 

The Trump administration’s narrative has been challenged by legal actions, including a Supreme Court order to facilitate Garcia’s return to the U.S. after his mistaken deportation to El Salvador. On Thursday, during a White House press briefing alongside El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, Trump made comments suggesting openness to deporting American citizens to foreign prisons, specifically referencing Garcia’s case and alleging his criminality. These remarks were part of a broader effort to counter criticism of the administration’s defiance of a court order to bring Garcia back.

MSNBC’s coverage of this event has drawn attention, particularly from Trump administration officials and supporters, who accuse the network of ignoring or downplaying Trump’s comments and the administration’s claims about Garcia’s alleged MS-13 ties.

🚨 HOWARD KURTZ: “MSNBC has been covering Abrego Garcia every ten or fifteen minutes for a couple of weeks. When the President is talking about it today.. that's the moment MSNBC decides, ‘well, we're not gonna hear this anymore.’ My feeling is, at least show the issue that you… pic.twitter.com/LWvAvLkU0S

— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) April 19, 2025

MSNBC likely did not air Trump’s April 17, 2025, comments on Kilmar Abrego Garcia during the White House press briefing live, consistent with its history of avoiding unverified Trump statements. 

However, the network extensively covered the Garcia case, emphasizing legal rebukes to the Trump administration and humanitarian concerns. Accusations from the White House, FCC Chairman Carr, and X users that MSNBC ignored the story reflect conservative frustration but oversimplify the network’s critical coverage

FCC Commissioner’s Accusations: Trump-appointed FCC Chairman Brendan Carr accused MSNBC of “news distortion” for implying Garcia was a law-abiding U.S. citizen and ignoring “the truth” about his alleged gang ties. Carr suggested Comcast, MSNBC’s parent company, violated public interest obligations under federal law, escalating threats against the network’s broadcasting licenses.