Internet slams Kristen Welker over remark on Trump's presidential immunity and 2020 election conduct
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: NBC News' 'Meet the Press' anchor Kristen Welker found herself at the center of controversy on Sunday after making comments about former President Donald Trump's conduct during the 2020 presidential election. The remarks made by Welker ignited a storm of criticism on social media.
During the program, Welker delved into Trump's assertions that his presidential immunity should shield him from facing legal consequences in the Department of Justice's investigation into his actions surrounding the 2020 election.
She highlighted Trump's argument that he is "immune from criminal prosecution for allegedly trying to overturn the 2020 election."
Kristen Welker's Use of 'allegedly' ignites controversy
However, Welker's choice of the term 'allegedly' became a focal point of contention. Critics argued that it is not a matter of dispute whether Trump attempted to overturn the election results; rather, the controversy lies in whether he violated the law in the process.
Trump, without substantial evidence, had consistently claimed that the election was stolen from him through widespread voter fraud.
Backlash over downplaying
The use of the term 'allegedly' in reference to Trump's actions drew swift backlash, with many expressing frustration that it seemed to downplay or question the widely acknowledged fact that Trump sought to challenge the election outcome.
Critics argued that the emphasis should be on whether his actions constituted a breach of the law, rather than casting doubt on the nature of his attempts to overturn the election.
The debate on social media reflects the deep divisions and polarized opinions surrounding Trump's presidency and the events that unfolded after the 2020 election.
Welker's remarks on Meet the Press have further fueled the ongoing discussions about accountability, presidential immunity, and the boundaries of legal scrutiny for a former commander-in-chief.
Kristen Welker says that Trump "allegedly" tried to overturn the 2020 election. No, he really tried to do that. We lived through it! pic.twitter.com/MUDxFL3P7m
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 3, 2024
Kristen Welker's remarks on Trump's election actions draw criticism
Social media erupts as NBC News' Kristen Welker faces backlash for her choice of words during a discussion on former President Donald Trump's behavior surrounding the 2020 election
One user wrote, "Hakeem Jeffries makes it clear to Kristen Welker that it is not the job of Democrats to fix GOP speaker mess, "That is on my house Republican colleagues. We have made clear publicly and privately that we are ready, willing and able to enter into a bipartisan governing coalition."
Hakeem Jeffries makes it clear to Kristen Welker that it is not the job of Democrats to fix GOP speaker mess, "That is on my house Republican colleagues. We have made clear publicly and privately that we are ready, willing and able to enter into a bipartisan governing coalition." pic.twitter.com/b4823YvNad
— DAPPER DON DHARSHI • K A M I L • (@SoloFlow786) March 3, 2024
Another added, "I know right? What is the protocol here? "Become anchor, lose integrity" ?"
I know right? What is the protocol here? "Become anchor, lose integrity" ?
— Jon 🇺🇸🇺🇦 (@MauricioDonofr1) March 3, 2024
One commented, "What’s gotten into Kristen, and the other journalists at CNN, ect? Scary stuff that they seem to actually be in support of him these days."
What’s gotten into Kristen, and the other journalists at CNN, ect? Scary stuff that they seem to actually be in support of him these days.
— Marque (@tobeloved80) March 3, 2024
Another replied, "Guaranteed that there is a lawyer behind this word. Until he is convicted, they’ll continue to use the word “alleged.” I worked in radio for 15 years and even the Manson family was called “accused” or “alleged.” In this case, Welker is conforming to standards of the company."
Guaranteed that there is a lawyer behind this word. Until he is convicted, they’ll continue to use the word “alleged.” I worked in radio for 15 years and even the Manson family was called “accused” or “alleged.” In this case, Welker is conforming to standards of the company.
— Jeffy Covfefe’ (@Docziggy) March 3, 2024
"Democracy is in danger...," wrote one.