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Trump threatens Welker with FCC
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Trump threatened NBC's Kristen Welker with FCC punishment over her 'mixed results' endorsement report. The FCC lacks legal authority to punish journalists for viewpoints.
Background
President Trump has repeatedly used the FCC to target news outlets he deems antagonistic. This follows a lawsuit by Disney against the FCC over an early license review of ABC stations, which Disney called retaliation. Trump's threat against Welker stems from her description of his endorsement record as 'mixed' in a segment promoting Meet the Press.
How it unfolded
- Jun 2026Trump abruptly ended an interview with Welker in Wisconsin after she pressed him on unsubstantiated claims of 'crooked' elections.
- Aug 2026Disney sued the FCC, alleging a retaliatory campaign against ABC over an early license review.
- Sun, 30 Aug 2026Trump posted on Truth Social that Welker would be reported to the FCC for 'rebuke or punishment' over her 'mixed results' comment.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Trump said he hopes FCC Chair Brendan Carr and colleagues 'take this Threat to our Country very seriously.'
- Expert
- Experts argue the FCC lacks the legal authority to punish broadcasters or reporters for their viewpoints.
- Caution
- Former FCC officials from both parties have criticized Carr for trying to weaponize the agency and chill free speech.
Still unverified
Trump's claim of 'purposeful inaccuracy' by Welker is disputed; no evidence of inaccuracy has been provided.