Trump Pressures FCC Over NBC Journalist’s Reporting

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency is reviewing possible actions after President Donald Trump demanded “rebuke or punishment” for NBC journalist Kristen Welker. Carr warned that broadcast outlets could face consequences if their reporting is deemed not to serve the public interest, especially regarding “fake polls” that might suppress voters. He added that the FCC may issue guidance reminding broadcasters of their obligations.

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• “President Trump is over the target. We’re looking at a lot of actions,” — Brendan Carr, communications commission chairman

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• “There’s a lot of interest right now in fake polls that are out there. The FCC may put guidance out soon to remind broadcasters about their obligations with effect to not airing fake polls, particularly if they’re done to suppress people heading into the fall.” — Brendan Carr, communications commission chairman

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Welker reported that Trump’s endorsements in the primary season produced “mixed results,” citing the successful primary of a Trump-endorsed candidate in South Carolina. Trump responded on his Truth Social platform, labeling Welker’s coverage as “purposeful inaccuracy” and questioning her right to speak on “freely given public airwaves.”

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ABC has filed a lawsuit alleging that the administration has launched a retaliatory campaign against the network for its broadcasts. The suit seeks to block the FCC from taking—or threatening to take—any action against Disney, ABC and its eight owned-and-operated stations in connection with early license renewal applications. The complaint was lodged in August.

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ABC’s legal filing frames the FCC’s potential actions as part of a broader effort to punish the network for its reporting.

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If the FCC issues new guidance, broadcasters may need to scrutinize polling content and ensure compliance with public-interest standards. The agency’s stated focus on “fake polls” suggests future enforcement could target misinformation that influences electoral participation, raising questions about the balance between regulatory oversight and editorial independence.

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