Trump’s threat against an NBC journalist is an attack on reality | Margaret Sullivan
The president’s call for the FCC to scrutinize Kristin Welker’s innocuous remarks is a sign of desperation With his approval ratings tanking, the crucial midterm elections looming, and his war with Iran turning into a quagmire, Donald Trump has entered full freak-out mode. It’s not hard to tell. Just look at what happened this week when he lashed out at Kristen Welker, the well-respected host of…
Donald Trump, in a desperate attempt to regain control of the media, has threatened NBC journalist Kristen Welker with FCC scrutiny over her comments about his endorsement record. Welker, a respected host of NBC's Meet the Press, referred to Trump's mixed record on successful endorsements, a statement Trump deemed as purposeful inaccuracy.
Trump called for the Federal Communications Commission to take action against Welker, claiming that her comments were a threat to the nation. This attack is part of a pattern of Trump's attempts to control the media through threats and punishment, particularly targeting female journalists, and continues his long-running campaign against the reality-based press.
The FCC, under Trump's influence, has become heavily partisan and politically motivated, and its actions against "fake news" align with Trump's agenda. While first amendment protections protect Welker and her network, NBC is likely to defend Welker, as her actions were not problematic. However, the administration's escalating efforts to control the media have become increasingly desperate and misguided, ultimately reflecting Trump's inability to control the narrative.
Written by urgent.news from The Guardian US's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
