Trump calls for NBC’s Kristen Welker to face ‘rebuke or punishment’ from FCC

Donald Trump recently called for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to issue a "rebuke or punishment" against NBC's Kristen Welker. Trump's demand stemmed from comments Welker made on August 30, 2026, during a local NBC D.C. affiliate broadcast, where she suggested his endorsements in the upcoming midterm elections had yielded "some mixed results".

Angered by Welker's characterization, Trump posted on Truth Social, accusing her of "purposeful inaccuracy" and claiming his endorsement record was exceptionally strong. He specifically stated that Welker would be reported to the FCC for action, naming FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and expressing hope that the "Threat to our Country" would be taken seriously. NBC News, in response, issued a statement standing by Welker, calling her "one of the best in the business".

While the FCC is generally restricted from censoring news content, this incident marks the latest in a series of instances where Trump has sought federal intervention against media organizations whose coverage he deems unfavorable. The FCC did not immediately comment on the matter, though one commissioner, Anna Gomez, stated that the FCC lacks the authority to punish journalists.