FCC boss signals major crackdown on TV networks pushing 'fake polls' ahead of the midterms

The Federal Communications Commission could soon issue guidance to broadcast television networks over what FCC Chairman Brendan Carr called "fake polls" ahead of the midterms.

Speaking on "The Sunday Briefing," Carr argued that broadcast television is subject to different federal requirements than cable channels or online platforms because stations operate under FCC licenses.

"The one thing that President Trump gets, fundamentally, is that broadcast TV is completely different than other forms of distribution, including cable," Carr said Sunday.

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"And so many broadcasters right now, they [want to] break the deal that they cut with the American people. They get billions of dollars in taxpayer, effectively, subsidized distribution. And what they're supposed to do in exchange is operate in the public interest, not some sort of narrow partisan interest," he added.

His comments come after President Donald Trump criticized NBC Newss Kristen Welker on August 30 over what he said was a mischaracterization of his endorsement record in political primaries. Welker, speaking during a segment on a local NBC affiliate, noted that Trump would "loom large" over the midterms before pointing to his endorsement record.

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"He, of course, has endorsed a slate of candidates in the primaries," Welker said. "He's had some mixed results, but most recently, his pick of Senator Darline Graham, of course, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, was successful in her primary battle."

Trump responded on Truth Social, writing, "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," before pointing to his endorsement record, including his backing of Sen. Darline Graham.

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"How can anyone be allowed to say this, working for freely given Public Airwaves? Results are attached. Because of this purposeful inaccuracy, she will be reported to the FCC for rebuke or punishment," he added.

NBC News defended Welker in a statement to , backing its "Meet the Press" moderator following Trumps threat. 

"Kristen is one of the best in the business, and we stand by her," an

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Carr said there has been particular interest in reminding broadcasters about their obligations regarding what he called "fake polls," which he warned could be used to suppress voters heading int