President Trump Threatens to Report 'Meet the Press' Host Kristen Welker to FCC Over Endorsement Coverage

In a recent social media post, former President Donald Trump has threatened to report "Meet the Press" host Kristen Welker to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over her coverage of his endorsements ahead of the midterm elections. Trump took issue with Welker's characterization of his endorsement record, which he claims is misleading.

According to Trump, Welker referred to his endorsements as having "mixed results," despite his endorsements leading to victories for Darline Graham and Mike Mazzei in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House, respectively. "Kristen Welker, the Unpopular 'Hostess' of the once great Meet the Press, now considered Meet the Fake Press, just stated that [Donald Trump] has 'mixed results' on his Endorsements of Candidates," Trump wrote on Truth Social on August 30.

The former president's comments come after a tense interview with Welker in early June, during which he abruptly exited the program after a confrontation over his comments on California election security. Despite the FCC's limited legal power to take action against Welker as an individual, Trump's comments escalate his criticism of the journalist.

In a statement to USA TODAY, Trump added, "Because of this purposeful inaccuracy, she will be reported to the FCC for rebuke or punishment. Unfortunately, she is not the only one." This statement suggests that Trump may be planning to take similar action against other journalists or media outlets.

Welker's coverage of Trump's endorsements has been a point of contention for the former president, who has repeatedly criticized the media for what he perceives as biased reporting. Trump's threat to report Welker to the FCC is just the latest example of his ongoing battle with the media.

The FCC has yet to respond to Trump's threat, but the agency's ability to take action against Welker is limited. The FCC primarily regulates broadcast media, and Welker's work on "Meet the Press" is a television program, which falls under the purview of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Despite the legal limitations, Trump's threat is significant because it highlights his continued efforts to undermine the credibility of the media. By suggesting that Welker's coverage is inaccurate and misleading, Trump is attempting to cast doubt on the integrity of the entire media establishment.

In addition to his criticism of Welker, Trump has also been involved in a naming campaign that has sparked controversy. In August 2026, he signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario as "Lake America," a move that was seen as a symbolic gesture during the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and Canada.

Trump's naming campaign has extended beyond geographical locations, with reports of buildings, institutions, and even a Navy ship being renamed in his honor. This branding campaign has been met with mixed reactions, with some seeing it as a celebration of his legacy and others viewing it as an attempt to co-opt public spaces for personal gain.

As the midterm elections approach, Trump's efforts to influence the media and reshape his legacy continue to be a focus of attention. His threat to report Welker to the FCC is just one of many tactics he is employing to maintain his influence in the political landscape.

The former president's ongoing battle with the media and his attempts to reshape his legacy are likely to remain a topic of discussion in the coming months. As the midterm elections draw near, the impact of Trump's actions on the political process and the media landscape will be closely watched.