Trump says NBC journalist should face 'punishment' from broadcast regulator

US President Donald Trump on Sunday threatened possible punishment by media regulators for NBC journalist Kristen Welker, the "hostess" of the "once great Meet the Press" talk show. Trump criticized Welker for her reporting, stating she had portrayed his endorsements as "mixed results," contrary to his belief that they went his way in 98 to 100 percent of the races.

Welker responded to Trump's claims during a local NBC affiliate interview, asserting that Trump would "loom large over these midterms." She added that his most recent endorsement, of Senator Darline Graham, had been successful. Trump claimed that due to her "purposeful inaccuracy," Welker would be reported to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for rebuke or punishment.

The FCC oversees licenses for radio and television broadcast frequencies. Trump further criticized the "Radical Left News" for harassing and demeaning anyone associated with Trump. Welker, an award-winning journalist, was praised for moderating a 2020 presidential debate featuring Trump and Joe Biden. Her spokesperson defended her, stating NBC stands by her.

Trump, who has a history of using American media to his advantage as a real estate developer, has turned against the press as president, suing newspapers and pressuring broadcasters to align with his views. The FCC, headed by a close Trump associate, has faced growing resistance from news organizations and broadcast networks, with several filing lawsuits against the FCC, arguing their actions constitute political retaliation that violates the First Amendment of the US Constitution.