Trump threatens NBC journalist Kristen Welker with FCC complaint over endorsement comments

President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that he intends to file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission against NBC journalist Kristen Welker, accusing her of misrepresenting his record on political endorsements. He cited Welker’s remarks that his endorsements have produced “mixed results” and claimed the comments should not be allowed on public airwaves.

Welker, the host of "Meet the Press," had told a local NBC affiliate that Trump’s influence would be significant in the upcoming midterm elections and noted that his recent endorsement of Senator Darline Graham was successful. An NBC spokesperson, speaking anonymously, said the network stands by Welker, describing her as “one of the best in the business.”

"The FCC has no authority to punish journalists this administration doesn’t like," Democrat FCC commissioner Anna Gomez wrote on X, adding that such threats to press freedom are dangerous and undermine democratic foundations.

The FCC’s rules prohibit it from restricting any particular viewpoint, and legal experts say it is unclear what action, if any, the commission could take against Welker. Trump also called on FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and other commissioners to treat his complaint as a serious matter for the country.