Trump threatens to refer NBC journalist Kristen Welker to FCC over midterms coverage

On August 30, 2026, US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he would refer NBC journalist Kristen Welker to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for censure or sanction. He accused her of deliberate inaccuracy after she said Trump had obtained 'mixed results' regarding his endorsements of candidates in the upcoming November midterms. This is part of the Trump administration's broader offensive against media it deems overly critical, including lawsuits against several newspapers and restrictions on journalists by agencies like the Pentagon and FBI. The FCC, led by Brendan Carr, a Trump ally, has been used in these efforts. Press groups and major broadcast networks have pushed back, filing lawsuits against the FCC, arguing these pressures are political retaliation violating the First Amendment. Trump and Welker have had previous public clashes, including in early June when Trump abruptly cut short an interview after tense exchanges over questions about Iran.