President Donald Trump has intensified his long-standing commitment to ensuring AM radio remains accessible in all new automobiles, highlighting the issue as a significant priority for his administration. In a recent interview with Salem Media Group host Hugh Hewitt, the president described the matter as a “very big subject” with widespread appeal, emphasizing that his team would take decisive action to advance protections for the medium.
The discussion arose as Hewitt proposed combining the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act with other popular bipartisan initiatives to create a comprehensive legislative package. This approach could expedite progress on measures enjoying broad congressional support. Trump expressed enthusiasm for the idea, noting the legislation’s popularity while underscoring that health care reform continues to top his agenda. He reiterated his personal approval of the requirement, calling it a “huge deal” that deserves attention according to Radioink.
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act seeks to mandate that all new passenger vehicles, including electric models, include standard equipment capable of receiving and playing AM broadcast signals. This would ensure free access to AM content without additional fees or surcharges. The bill addresses concerns that some manufacturers, particularly those producing electric vehicles, have begun phasing out AM receivers due to interference issues from electric components. Many fear that AM radio leaving cars will result in the end of AM radio, as it would remove most of the listeners.
Proponents argue that AM radio serves a vital public safety role. It delivers emergency alerts, weather updates, and news during disasters when other communication systems may fail due to power outages or network disruptions. The legislation has garnered exceptional bipartisan backing, with more than 300 House members and over 60 senators as cosponsors in the current Congress. A diverse coalition supports it, encompassing emergency management agencies, labor unions, state governors, broadcasters, and public safety organizations.
The measure advanced through key committees last year, passing the Senate Commerce Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee with overwhelming votes. Procedural obstacles, including a government shutdown in late 2025, delayed final enactment. House leadership has indicated plans for a floor vote in the near future, while Senate advocates consider attaching it to must-pass legislation or securing dedicated floor time.
Trump’s involvement traces back to his 2024 campaign. At the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville, he pledged to protect AM radio at the request of the organization. He connected the issue to preserving “pro-God content” and defending Christian broadcasting against perceived threats.
The push reflects broader concerns about media diversity and accessibility. As electric vehicles gain market share, the absence of AM receivers in some models has raised alarms about losing a reliable, free source of information for drivers, especially in rural areas or during crises. Emergency officials emphasize that AM signals travel farther and penetrate buildings better than many alternatives, making them indispensable for widespread alerts.
With the president’s renewed emphasis, momentum appears to be building. Congressional leaders from both parties have committed to resolving remaining hurdles early in 2026. If enacted, the Department of Transportation would issue a rule within one year of passage, with compliance required for vehicles manufactured two to three years later. Smaller manufacturers would receive additional time to adapt.
This development underscores the intersection of technology, public safety, and traditional media. As automakers innovate, preserving AM radio ensures millions continue accessing essential broadcasts without barriers. The administration’s focus could prove pivotal in overcoming lingering procedural challenges and delivering a win for consumers, broadcasters, and emergency responders nationwide.
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