President Donald Trump said “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker will be reported to the Federal Communications Commission over her coverage of his endorsements ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
“Kristen Welker, the Unpopular ‘Hostess’ of the once great Meet the Press, now considered Meet the Fake Press, just stated that Donald Trump has ‘mixed results’ on his Endorsements of Candidates, when the recent WINS of Darline Graham and Mike Mazzei, stand at 100% for the U.S. Senate, and 98% for the U.S. House,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Aug. 30.
USA TODAY has reached out to NBC for comment.
Trump added, “Because of this purposeful inaccuracy, she will be reported to the FCC for rebuke or punishment. Unfortunately, she is not the only one.”
Despite Trump’s post, the FCC has limited legal authority to take action against Welker as an individual. His comments nevertheless intensify a growing rift between the president and the journalist.
Trump and Welker have clashed before
In early June, Trump made headlines after abruptly exiting an “MTP” interview with Welker following a tense exchange. The NBC anchor had challenged the president’s comments about election security in California.
The FCC is an independent agency that oversees broadcast, radio and other networks. Disney and ABC sued the agency in an Aug. 18 lawsuit, alleging an unconstitutional “retaliatory campaign” against the network.
Critics say the FCC has become increasingly political during Trump’s second term under the leadership of Brendan Carr. Trump referenced Carr in the Truth Social post, writing that “The Press is a Disgrace to our Nation.”
Trump’s 2026 endorsement record
Trump has a strong endorsement record in 2026, but some candidates he supported have lost recent Republican primaries.
In Wyoming, Megan Degenfelder, who leads the state’s department of public instruction, lost the Republican primary for governor. Rep. Cory Mills lost his reelection bid in Florida, as did Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles, a controversial House member.
In Minnesota, longtime Trump ally and MyPillow founder Mike Lindell also lost a Republican primary for governor.
Contributing: Emily Condon
