Trump threatens FCC complaint against NBC’s Kristen Welker over comments about his endorsement record
President Donald Trump said Sunday that NBC News’ “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker should be reported to the Federal Communications Commission after she characterized the results of his endorsed candidates as mixed.
Trump criticized Welker in a social media post, arguing that her description was inaccurate and pointing to recent primary victories by South Carolina Sen. Darline Graham and Oklahoma Republican gubernatorial nominee Mike Mazzei. He questioned how a journalist could make what he called an inaccurate statement while working for a network that uses public airwaves.
Trump said he planned to ask the FCC to take action against Welker and urged FCC Chair Brendan Carr and other commissioners to treat what he described as a serious threat to the country.
Welker reportedly discussed Trump’s mixed endorsement record during a pre-show appearance on NBC’s Washington affiliate before Sunday’s broadcast.
Trump had recently claimed that his endorsements were “stronger than ever,” citing the victories of Graham and Mazzei. However, several candidates backed by the president have lost primaries this year.
Among them was Florida Rep. Cory Mills, who lost his Republican primary to television anchor Ryan Elijah. Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles also lost his primary to former state Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher. Michigan Republican Amir Hassan additionally failed in his bid for a House seat after receiving Trump’s endorsement.
Political commentator Bill O’Reilly recently argued that Trump’s endorsements may no longer carry the same influence they once did, pointing to the president’s handling of the Iran war as one factor.
Trump has previously clashed with Welker over her coverage. In June, he abruptly ended an in-person interview after the two discussed his unsubstantiated claim that California’s gubernatorial primary had been rigged. He also criticized Welker last year after she questioned then-Sen. Markwayne Mullin about the leak of Pentagon attack plans through the Signal messaging app.
Trump’s latest criticism comes amid a broader dispute between the administration and major media organizations. Disney and ABC recently sued the FCC, arguing that the administration was attempting to pressure and censor journalists by seeking an early review of ABC’s broadcasting licenses.
Trump also targeted NBC and ABC last summer, suggesting the networks could face fines or removal from the air over their polling and coverage of his administration.
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