September 6, 2026 · Information Integrity, Press & Democratic Norms
· Official action
Developing
FCC Chair Signals Action on "Fake Polls" After Trump Demands NBC Reporter Face Punishment
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said on September 6, 2026 that the agency is "looking at a lot of actions" against broadcasters, including possible guidance on "fake polls" ahead of the midterms. Carr spoke days after President Trump demanded NBC anchor Kristen Welker be "reported to the FCC for rebuke or punishment" after she said Trump-endorsed candidates had "mixed results" in Republican primaries this year.
Trump has pressed the nominally independent FCC against broadcasters he views as unfavorable, including investigations into diversity hiring at NBC and ABC, while praising friendly networks. Critics call the pattern an attempt to use regulatory authority to intimidate journalists ahead of a competitive election.
No formal FCC guidance or action had been issued as of this writing; Carr said the commission "may put guidance out soon."
Trump has pressed the nominally independent FCC against broadcasters he views as unfavorable, including investigations into diversity hiring at NBC and ABC, while praising friendly networks. Critics call the pattern an attempt to use regulatory authority to intimidate journalists ahead of a competitive election.
No formal FCC guidance or action had been issued as of this writing; Carr said the commission "may put guidance out soon."
Sources
- Carr Says FCC Is Looking at Actions to Stop Partisan Broadcast Coverage — The Hill, 2026-09-06