President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he will report NBC’s Kristen Welker to the Federal Communications Commission for alleged misrepresentation of his endorsement record.
Trump posted on Truth Social that Welker, host of “Meet the Press,” called his primary endorsements “mixed results,” a claim he described as false.
The network defended Welker, stating she is “one of the best in the business” and that they stand by her.
Trump’s Endorsement Track Record
A Fox News primary endorsement tracker released Thursday showed Trump‑backed Senate candidates won all 24 Republican primaries and 214 of 218 House primaries. The data confirms a near‑perfect win rate for Trump’s endorsed candidates across both chambers.
Trump highlighted two recent victories: Darline Graham’s Senate primary win in South Carolina and Mike Mazzei’s gubernatorial nomination win in Oklahoma. Both wins underscore the consistency of his influence in primary contests.
Trump urged FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to take the matter “very seriously” and consider “rebuke or punishment.” He said the action would send a clear signal to the media.
Legal experts note the FCC can only sanction stations, not individual journalists, and requires proof of deliberate deception before acting. They emphasize that the commission must demonstrate intentional misleadership, not mere error.
Carr has warned broadcasters that inaccurate reporting could jeopardize license renewals, but the commission has not indicated any imminent action against Welker. The FCC has yet to announce any formal proceedings.
Media Reaction
CNN chief media analyst Brian Stelter called Trump’s demand an attempt to weaponize the FCC against unfavorable coverage. He warned that such threats undermine press freedom.
Stelter posted on X that the FCC lacks authority to punish Welker and warned the move reflects a broader pattern. He said the FCC’s jurisdiction is limited to station licensing, not individual journalists.
Trump reiterated his criticism, claiming his endorsement record is “the strongest in the history of politics” despite the mixed‑result characterization. He framed the comment as evidence of his unparalleled political influence.
He concluded by appealing directly to Carr, urging the commission to act against what he labeled a “disgrace to our nation.” The statement highlighted Trump’s ongoing battle with mainstream news outlets.
Fox News Digital has not yet received a response from the FCC. The agency has not commented publicly on the matter.
CJ Womack, associate editor at Fox News, reported the story. He has covered media and political developments for the outlet since 2026.
