FCC chief backs Trump after Kristen Welker punishment threat

WASHINGTON, DC: FCC Chairman Brendan Carr backed President Donald Trump after he threatened to report NBC News journalist Kristen Welker to the Federal Communications Commission for comments about his political endorsement record.

Carr addressed Trump's attack during an appearance on Fox News' 'The Sunday Briefing', where anchor Peter Doocy asked whether the FCC had received the president's promised complaint against the 'Meet the Press' moderator.

Carr did not say whether a report had been filed but defended Trump's broader concerns about broadcast television and said the president was “over the target.”

He then expanded his remarks beyond Welker, saying the FCC was considering action related to broadcasters and what he described as “fake polls” ahead of the fall.

Trump threatened FCC punishment for Kristen Welker

Trump targeted Welker after she said during a 'Meet the Press' segment that his endorsement record had produced “mixed results.”

The president disputed her description in a Truth Social post, citing recent victories by candidates he endorsed and claiming his Senate and House endorsement records were nearly perfect.

“How can anyone be allowed to say this, working for freely given Public Airwaves?” Trump wrote.

He added that Welker would be reported to the FCC for “rebuke or punishment” over what he called a “purposeful inaccuracy.”

An NBC News spokesperson responded to Trump's criticism by defending Welker and saying the network stood by her.

Brendan Carr says Trump was 'over the target'

When asked about Trump's threat, Carr said broadcast television operated differently from cable and other forms of media distribution.

He said broadcasters received access to publicly licensed airwaves and were required to operate in the public interest.

“I think President Trump is over the target, and we're looking at a lot of actions,” Carr said.

Carr did not specifically announce an investigation involving Welker or NBC.

Instead, he shifted to broader concerns involving broadcasters and election-related information.

His comments came days after Trump's public demand that the FCC take action against the journalist.

FCC raises concerns about polls

Carr said the agency had received interest regarding what he described as “fake polls.”

“The FCC may put guidance out soon to remind broadcasters about their obligations with respect to not airing fake polls, particularly if they're done to suppress people heading into the fall,” he said.

He did not identify specific polls, broadcasters or organizations that could be affected by potential guidance.

Trump's comments about Welker followed his repeated claims that his political endorsements have been highly successful. While many of his endorsed candidates have won their races, some Trump-backed candidates have also lost primaries during the current election cycle.