Trump Criticizes Media Over Endorsement Record Coverage

President Donald Trump has criticized television journalist Kristen Welker and the media for questioning his endorsement record. He claims his endorsement record is the strongest in political history.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump attacked Welker, who hosts NBC News’ Meet the Press. He accused her of inaccurately stating that his endorsement results were mixed. Trump announced plans to report Welker to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for her portrayal of his record.

Kristen Welker, the unpopular ‘hostess’ of the once-great Meet the Press, now considered Meet the Fake Press, just stated that Donald Trump has ‘mixed results’ on his endorsements of candidates, when the recent wins of Darline Graham and Mike Mazzei stand at 100 percent for the U.S. Senate, and 98 percent for the U.S. House, Trump wrote.

The FCC regulates broadcast, radio, and other networks. Critics argue it has become increasingly political during Trump’s second term. NBC News and the White House were contacted for comment.

Trump’s Endorsement Record

During Trump’s first term (2017-2021), Ballotpedia tracked 305 endorsements. In 2026, he made 312 primary endorsements with a 97% success rate in the primaries by early July.

Historically, Trump had better success in primaries than general elections. In 2018, his primary success rate was 95%, while general elections were 59%. In 2019, these rates were 80% and 67% respectively. By 2020, primary success was 97% and general election success 79%. In 2021, he achieved 100% success in both with only five endorsements. In 2022, he had a 93% primary success rate and an 84% general election success rate.

In 2023, his primary success was 67% while general election success was 80%. In 2024, his rates improved to 96% in primaries and 89% in general elections. In 2025, he endorsed nine candidates, achieving 100% in primaries and 43% in general elections.

This year, by August 5, he endorsed 313 primary candidates with a 96% success rate and 39 general election candidates. Major Republican primaries showed mixed but positive results. Successful endorsements included Rhett Marques and Gary Palmer in Alabama, with a notable setback in Minnesota.

Comparing to Previous Presidents

Trump’s endorsement record differs from other presidents like Joe Biden. In 2021, Biden endorsed three candidates with a 50% success rate in general elections. By 2022, he endorsed twelve candidates with a higher success rate.

Barack Obama was more reserved with endorsements, except for an unprecedented engagement in 2016 when he endorsed 150 candidates after leaving the White House.

Analyzing ‘Mixed Results’

Political science expert Justin Vaughn noted Trump as an influential endorser. However, his influence varies; it is more advantageous than commanding, especially in gubernatorial races. These races focus on state issues and local networks, which can diminish presidential endorsements.

Boleslaw Z. Kabala from Tarleton State University indicated Trump remains a dominant endorsement figure in Republican primaries. While some candidates have succeeded without Trump’s endorsement, his backing is still significant. Recent election outcomes highlight Trump’s influence, even if not a replacement for candidate quality.