Trump Demands FCC Probe Media Polling, Target NBC's Welker Amidst Approval Slump

President Donald Trump escalated his public criticism of the news media on Sunday, directing an appeal to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to investigate the polling methodologies employed by various news organizations and to take punitive action against Kristen Welker, the moderator of NBC's "Meet the Press." This directive stems from Trump's long-standing and often adversarial relationship with journalists and news outlets, particularly when their reporting challenges his administration or reflects unfavorably on his public standing. Recent polling data has indicated that Trump's approval ratings are at their lowest point of either of his terms in office. This dip in public sentiment is occurring against a backdrop of persistent concerns regarding the ongoing military engagement in Iran and elevated domestic gas prices, factors that have demonstrably impacted public perception.

Trump's strategy of leveraging his animosity towards the press to seek regulatory intervention by the FCC, an independent agency of the United States government responsible for regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable, represents a notable tactic. The FCC's primary authority lies in granting and overseeing broadcast licenses for over-the-air television and radio stations. However, it is crucial to note that the FCC's jurisdiction does not extend to cable television networks, print media, or the independent polling firms and academic institutions that often conduct the surveys in question. Trump explicitly voiced his discontent with what he characterized as "fake polls," asserting in a social media post that "FCC TO THE RESCUE!"

In parallel, Trump also directed his ire towards Kristen Welker, the moderator of NBC's "Meet the Press." His criticism focused on her reporting that highlighted the mixed success of Trump's endorsements of Republican candidates in the primary elections held earlier this year. Trump questioned the legitimacy of such reporting being broadcast over "freely given Public Airwaves," and declared his intention to report Welker to the FCC for "rebuke or punishment" due to what he alleged was "purposeful inaccuracy." This follows an earlier instance where Trump attacked New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman for a report suggesting he intended to skip the annual September 11 commemoration in New York, reportedly due to a lack of a speaking role. The legal avenues available to the Trump administration to penalize Welker for her journalistic output are significantly constrained, with any direct action likely falling short of revoking NBC's broadcast license, a move that would face substantial legal and constitutional challenges, particularly in light of the First Amendment's robust protections for freedom of the press and freedom of speech.