Power Grab/Fire anyone who can stop him
Trump says NBC’s Kristen Welker “will be reported to the FCC for rebuke or punishment” over a broadcast segment
Trump posted the threat on Truth Social on August 30, 2026 after Welker said his primary endorsement record had been “mixed”; the FCC chairman said a week later he was considering actions.
What happened
On August 30, 2026, Trump wrote on Truth Social that NBC’s Kristen Welker “will be reported to the FCC for rebuke or punishment.” He called her the “Unpopular Hostess” of “Meet the Fake Press” and cited “purposeful inaccuracy.” The post followed her remark on NBC’s Washington affiliate WRC.
Welker had said Trump’s primary endorsement record was “mixed.” Trump added that he hoped FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and “the fine people of his Commission” would take this “Threat to our Country very seriously.” A second post on “fake polls” ended “FCC to the rescue!” NBC said it stood by Welker. The Hill reported on September 6 that Carr was considering actions.
Who benefited
Trump gained a public threat that puts a federal regulator on notice, aimed at a journalist, with no complaint filed in the record. The post named the commission’s chairman and asked him to act. It signaled to broadcasters what a “mixed” description of his record can bring.
Who wanted something
Trump wanted the FCC to rebuke or punish Welker for saying his endorsement record was “mixed.” He called the remark “purposeful inaccuracy.” The ask went to Brendan Carr by name, in a post that also referred to “fake polls” and ended “FCC to the rescue!”
Who lost out
Kristen Welker and NBC had a threat of federal punishment attached to a statement about the President’s primary endorsement record. NBC said it stood by her. The FCC licenses broadcasters, which means the threat reaches the network that employs her and its Washington affiliate.
Why it matters
The President publicly asked the head of the FCC to punish a journalist over a statement about his endorsements. The FCC chairman was reported a week later to be considering actions. No penalty had been announced.