Welker, NBC’s ‘Meet the Press’ in Midterm Mode

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Kristen Welker, moderator of NBC’s "Meet the Press," is gearing up to cover the November 3 midterm elections with a focus on accountability and clear political dialogue despite facing criticism from former President Trump. Her role is crucial in navigating a polarized media landscape while addressing emerging challenges like AI’s impact on journalism and voter engagement.

Kristen Welker, host of NBC News’ long-running political interview program "Meet the Press," is preparing for a pivotal role in covering the upcoming midterm elections on November 3. With more than three years as the show’s moderator, Welker remains focused on her mission to hold elected officials accountable and provide clear, measured political discourse amid a polarized media environment.

In an October 14 interview in Washington, D.C., Welker discussed both the challenges and significance of her work. "My role as moderator of ‘Meet the Press’ is the same as Martha Rountree’s when she first founded the show in 1947 — to get answers on behalf of the American people," she said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a tone that fosters conversation rather than confrontation.

Welker has been a target of criticism from former President Donald Trump, who walked out of an interview with her during a June visit to Wisconsin and has called her reporting "crooked." Despite these confrontations, Welker remains steadfast. "I have covered him since 2015. It’s not the first time he’s taken issue with my reporting," she said. Welker dismissed the antagonism as part of a broader pattern and stated that she intends to continue her work without distraction.

In August, Trump further escalated tensions by posting on his social media platform, Truth Social, that Welker "will be reported to the FCC for rebuke or punishment" over a commentary on his political endorsements. NBC News defended Welker, describing her as "one of the best in the business" and backing her reporting.

Welker also shared concerns about the growing presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in society and journalism. She noted her surprise at AI instruction being introduced even in kindergarten classrooms and stressed the need to understand and adapt to this technological shift.

Looking ahead to the midterms, Welker expressed cautious optimism about voter engagement. "What I am seeing and feeling on the ground is that voters are engaged," she said. She plans to contribute to NBC’s comprehensive election night coverage alongside colleagues such as Steve Kornacki, who will analyze voting results.

Reflecting on her experience, Welker described her growth as a journalist, crediting early reporting roles and consistent weekly practice on "Meet the Press" for honing her skills. "I’ve learned to trust myself along the way in interviews, to build rapport with guests, and to trust my instincts when it comes to follow-up questions," she said.

Despite the pressures of the current political climate and media scrutiny, Welker conveyed a continued enthusiasm for political journalism. "Political journalism has never been more important. People have real questions about all these issues, and being able to help further that conversation is the greatest honor," she stated.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.