Trump Calls for FCC Action Against NBC Journalist

Former President Donald Trump requested the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) administer “rebuke or punishment” to NBC journalist Kristen Welker. He made these statements on his social media platform, Truth Social, following an interview with Welker that aired on September 17.

Trump described Welker as a “Radical Left Democrat” who, he stated, was promoting “Ron DeSanctimonious, and other Ron!” He elaborated, “I don’t mind a tough interview, but when a President or potential President is obviously right on a point, and the interviewer still goes against that point, there has to be some explanation as to why.” He added, “The Old NBC would have never allowed this to happen.”

Trump stated his intention to formally contact the FCC. He wrote, “I am going to send a letter to the FCC, and Kristen Welker should be reprimanded or punished for her highly unprofessional interview.” He also remarked on Welker’s employment, saying, “They are stuck with her at 30 Rock, but if it were up to me, she would be fired for what she did. Her questions were not only biased and unfair, they were also knowingly false. It was a fake interview!”

During the interview, Welker questioned Trump about former Attorney General William Barr’s assessment that there was no evidence of widespread fraud sufficient to alter the 2020 election outcome. Trump responded that the election was “rigged” and that Barr was “afraid.”

Welker also questioned Trump about his actions on January 6, 2021, specifically regarding his speech before the Capitol events. Trump denied responsibility, stating, “I said 'peacefully and patriotically.' I didn't say, 'Go do whatever you want.'”

Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump’s campaign, reiterated the former president’s position. Cheung stated, “NBC should be investigated for its blatant attempt to interfere in the election.” He also added, “NBC is suffering from a massive credibility crisis, and the ratings reflect that. Clearly, their agenda is to prop up a floundering Ron DeSantis campaign to try and stop President Trump from returning to the White House to Make America Great Again.”