Trump says Kristen Welker should face ‘rebuke or punishment’ from FCC

US President Donald Trump has called for NBC’s Kristen Welker to face “rebuke or punishment” from the Federal Communications Commission after she described his political endorsement record as “mixed”.

Welker, host of Meet the Press, made the comment during a live segment for an NBC affiliate in Washington, DC, before Sunday’s programme.

“He, of course, has endorsed a slate of candidates in the primaries. He’s had some mixed results,” Welker said, according to The Guardian.

Trump responded on social media, accusing Welker of “purposeful inaccuracy” and saying she would “be reported to the FCC for rebuke or punishment”.

He also urged FCC chair Brendan Carr and other commissioners to “take this Threat to our Country very seriously”.

Trump has endorsed hundreds of candidates, with most of his preferred House and Senate candidates winning their Republican primaries this election cycle.

However, several candidates he backed in gubernatorial races have lost.

NBC defended Welker following Trump’s comments.

“Kristen is one of the best in the business, and we stand by her,” the network said.

CNN media reporter Brian Stelter said the FCC “can’t punish Welker” because the regulator has “limited power … by design”.

The FCC regulates broadcasters but has limited authority over editorial decisions and constitutionally protected speech.