US President Donald Trump has threatened NBC journalist Kristen Welker with possible regulatory action after criticizing her coverage of his political endorsements.
Trump launched the attack on Sunday through his Truth Social platform. He targeted Welker, the host of Meet the Press, over comments about his record in Republican primary elections.
The president objected to Welker describing his endorsement results as “mixed.” He argued that his endorsed candidates had won between 98 percent and 100 percent of their primary races.
Welker made the comments during an appearance on a local NBC affiliate earlier Sunday. She said Trump would remain a major factor in the upcoming midterm elections.
Regarding his endorsements, she said he “had some mixed results, but most recently, his pick of Senator Darline Graham… was successful in her primary battle.”
Trump Threatens FCC Complaint
Trump accused Welker of deliberately providing inaccurate information about his endorsement record.
“because of this purposeful inaccuracy, she will be reported to the FCC for rebuke or punishment”.
He also criticized other media outlets and accused them of targeting him unfairly.
“The Radical Left News is going out of their way to harass, demean, and libel anything ‘TRUMP.’”
The Federal Communications Commission regulates radio and television broadcasting licenses in the United States.
Trump also called on FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to take the matter seriously.
“I hope that Chairman Brendan Carr, and the fine people of his Commission, will take this Threat to our Country very seriously,” Trump said.
NBC Defends Kristen Welker
Welker has received recognition for her journalism and previously earned praise from both Republicans and Democrats. She moderated the 2020 presidential debate between Trump and Joe Biden. The Democrat eventually won that presidential election.
Meanwhile, an NBC News spokesperson defended Welker and rejected the criticism. The spokesperson said, “Kristen is one of the best in the business and we stand by her.”
Trump’s broader relationship with the US media has remained highly contentious. During his political career, he frequently criticized outlets that published reports he considered unfavorable.
As president, he has also pursued legal action against major newspapers, including The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. His administration has additionally reduced federal funding for public media.
Trump Faces Growing Media Pushback
Trump’s endorsements have helped several Republican candidates, particularly those seeking statewide offices. However, his influence has not guaranteed victories in every primary.
According to Ballotpedia, at least 10 Trump-backed candidates have lost during the current election cycle. The defeats include four US House candidates and six gubernatorial contenders. The Trump administration has also faced criticism over its treatment of journalists and broadcasters. Several news organizations have challenged FCC actions in court.
They argue that regulatory pressure against critical media outlets could amount to political retaliation. They have also cited the First Amendment’s protection of freedom of speech. Relations between Trump and Welker have remained tense for months. In June, Trump abruptly ended an interview with her following a heated exchange.
Legal experts have questioned whether the FCC can punish broadcasters or journalists simply because of their viewpoints. A 2025 Yale Journal on Regulation paper cited US Supreme Court precedent stating that US law “does not grant the FCC the power to ban controversial speech.”
The latest dispute therefore adds to the growing confrontation between the Trump administration and critical media organizations. It also raises renewed questions about the limits of presidential pressure on broadcasters and the FCC’s regulatory authority.
