Trump Goes After Reporter For What?
President Donald Trump said Sunday that NBC News host Kristen Welker should face a complaint to the Federal Communications Commission after taking issue with comments about the success of his political endorsements.
Trump launched the attack in a Truth Social post after Welker reportedly described his endorsement record this election cycle as having produced “mixed results.”
The president strongly rejected that characterization, pointing to recent victories by Trump-backed candidates Darline Graham in South Carolina and Mike Mazzei in Oklahoma. Trump argued that his endorsement record remained exceptionally strong and cited figures showing what he described as a 100 percent success rate in recent Senate contests and a 98 percent rate in House races.
Trump then questioned how Welker could make the statement while working for a network that broadcasts over public airwaves.
He said Welker would be reported to the FCC for what he called a “purposeful inaccuracy,” adding that he believed the matter could warrant a rebuke or other punishment.
Welker’s comments reportedly came during a live pre-show appearance on WRC-TV, NBC’s Washington affiliate, where she discussed Trump’s endorsement record during the 2026 election cycle.
Trump also called on FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and the agency’s other commissioners to take what he described as a serious threat to the country seriously, referring to media coverage of his political endorsements.
NBC News quickly defended its host.
A network spokesperson said Welker is “one of the best in the business” and that NBC stands behind her.
The dispute centers on how Trump’s endorsement record should be characterized. Trump has highlighted several recent victories by candidates he supported, including Graham and Mazzei, while maintaining that his influence within Republican primaries remains stronger than ever.
At the same time, several candidates backed by Trump have lost Republican primaries this year. Florida Rep. Cory Mills lost his reelection bid to television anchor Ryan Elijah, while Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles was defeated by former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher. Amir Hassan also fell short in his Michigan House race despite receiving Trump’s endorsement.
Trump’s clash with Welker is also the latest chapter in a long-running and sometimes tense relationship between the president and the “Meet the Press” host.
In June, Trump abruptly ended an in-person interview with Welker after the discussion turned to his claims about California’s gubernatorial primary. Trump also criticized her last year following her questioning of then-Sen. Markwayne Mullin about the Signal chat leak involving Pentagon attack plans.
The latest confrontation comes amid broader tensions between the Trump administration, federal regulators and major television networks.
Disney and ABC recently filed a lawsuit against the FCC over actions involving the review of ABC’s broadcasting licenses. The companies argued that the administration’s approach raised concerns about government pressure on journalists and news organizations.
Trump has previously suggested that major broadcast networks could face penalties over their coverage of his administration and polling, including past threats involving NBC and ABC.
Whether the FCC takes any action involving Welker remains to be seen. For now, Trump’s latest post has escalated his ongoing fight with the media and opened another front in the debate over how television networks cover his administration and his influence over Republican politics.
