'You've got better hair': Kennedy leaves Kristen Welker visibly awkward on 'Meet the Press'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Sen John Kennedy had plenty to say about President Donald Trump's administration during his latest appearance on NBC's 'Meet the Press' on Sunday, September 6, but it was a closing remark to Kristen Welker that gave the conversation an unexpectedly funny ending.

The Louisiana Republican turned his attention away from politics and toward the NBC host herself, delivering a compliment that immediately dragged her predecessor, Chuck Todd, into the conversation.

John Kennedy takes a parting shot at Kristen Welker

Kennedy made the remark toward the end of his Sunday appearance, after spending most of the interview on much more serious political questions.

As Welker began bringing the conversation to a close, Kennedy suddenly told her, “I like you better than Chuck Todd, Kristen!”

Welker laughed at the unexpected comparison and tried to steer the exchange toward a polite sign-off.

“Well, we appreciate your being here very much, senator. Thank you so much. We love Chuck, too,” she replied.

But Kennedy had another comment ready.

He quickly followed with, “You’ve got better hair, for one thing.”

Welker was left to navigate Kennedy’s very personal comparison as she looked visibly awkward while trying to bring the segment to a close without letting the exchange linger.

Chuck Todd announced his departure from the program in June 2023 after nine years as moderator, with Welker taking over the role. 

The video below shows the awkward exchange between Kennedy and Welker on NBC.

John Kennedy also weighs in on Pete Hegseth and Vladimir Putin

The lighthearted ending came after Kennedy had addressed several major issues facing the Trump administration.

Welker asked him about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amid reports of significant changes involving the military’s senior leadership.

Kennedy stopped short of giving Hegseth a straightforward vote of confidence.

With reservations, Kennedy indicated that he would likely support Hegseth again unless evidence emerged showing that the dismissals were unjustified.

The senator also offered his assessment of the Trump administration’s approach to the war in Ukraine.

Kennedy argued that President Donald Trump should take a tougher approach toward Russian President Vladimir Putin as American officials work toward a possible peace agreement.

“This guy’s a pirate. He’s got blood under his fingernails. He doesn’t care about a bunch of pretty talk,” Kennedy said during the interview.

He added, “You don’t get any credit. You’ve got to show him you mean business.”