Trump Criticizes Media and Journalist Kristen Welker

President Donald Trump recently criticized television journalist Kristen Welker and the media for questioning the success of his endorsement record, which he claims is the strongest in political history.

Trump used his social media platform, Truth Social, to address Welker, who hosts NBC News’ Meet the Press. She reportedly accused him of having “mixed results” in endorsing candidates in recent elections. Trump plans to report her to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) due to what he perceives as her misrepresentation of his endorsement achievements. Trump labeled the show as Meet the Fake Press, emphasizing wins like Darline Graham and Mike Mazzei’s successful campaigns.

Trump’s Endorsement Record Over the Years

Detailed tracking of Trump’s endorsements reveals varied results over his terms. During his first term from 2017 to 2021, 305 endorsements were tracked by Ballotpedia. In 2026 alone, he made 312 endorsements, achieving a 97 percent success rate in primaries by early July.

His success rates have fluctuated. For instance, in 2018 his primary success rate was 95 percent, while his general election rate was 59 percent. By 2020, these rates were 97 percent and 79 percent respectively. Notably, in 2021, he achieved complete success in both primaries and general elections but endorsed only five candidates.

In 2022, Trump endorsed 241 candidates with a 93 percent success rate in primaries. By 2023, his primary success rate dropped to 67 percent. However, by 2024, it rebounded to 96 percent, highlighting variations in his influence.

As of August 2025, his endorsements included nine candidates with varying success rates—100 percent in primaries and 43 percent in general elections. By August 5, 2026, he backed 313 primary candidates with a 96 percent success rate, though general elections were pending.

Comparative Endorsement Records of Presidents

Trump’s prolific endorsement activity contrasts sharply with that of President Joe Biden, who endorsed fewer candidates during his presidency. In 2021, Biden endorsed merely three candidates, achieving a 50 percent general election success rate. His 2022 endorsements yielded 67 percent primary and 89 percent general election success rates.

In 2023, Biden endorsed 24 general election candidates, achieving a 71 percent success rate. By 2024, he scripted a 100 percent success rate with two primary candidates but refrained from general election endorsements.

Historically, presidents like Barack Obama have engaged less in endorsements, exemplified by his unique 2016 effort to back 150 candidates after leaving office. Tracking endorsements prior to recent times is challenging due to inconsistent documentation.

Analysis of Trump’s Influence

Expert analysis notes Trump’s substantial influence as an individual endorser in U.S. politics. Despite his notable track record, endorsement effectiveness varies, especially in gubernatorial races where local factors often override presidential influence.

Coastal Carolina University’s Justin Vaughn underscores Trump’s impact on votes but notes gubernatorial races allow other factors to diminish a presidential endorsement’s power. Boleslaw Z. Kabala from Tarleton State University remarks on Trump’s imbalanced influence, where candidates rarely succeed by opposing him.

With successes like the Massie loss and Paxton win, Trump’s endorsement power remains significant. Nevertheless, losses from candidates like Mike Lindell illustrate that beyond Trump’s backing, candidate quality and campaign dynamics are pivotal.

For inquiries on this story, contact Newsweek editors Tobias Meyjes and Trevor Davies.