The massive media merger between NFL Network and ESPN hinges on the approval of the current administration. Which makes the joint relationships of the NFL and ESPN/ABC/Disney with President Trump critical to the question of whether discretion will be exercised to give a thumb’s up — or a thumb’s down.

Right now, the thumb would seem to be inclined to point down.

In an Oval Office press conference with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Mary Bruce asked President Trump about the ongoing controversy regarding the Jeffrey Epstein files. Trump repeated his position that the entire issue is a “Democrat hoax.”

“And people are wise to your hoax,” Trump said. “And ABC, your company, your crappy company , is one of the perpetrators. And I

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