NBC News’ Meet the Press host, Kristen Welker, faced backlash on social media for her recent comments on former President Donald Trump’s actions during the 2020 presidential election.
During the program, Welker addressed Trump’s assertion that he should be protected by presidential immunity from facing trial in the Department of Justice’s investigation into his actions related to the election.
Last year, DOJ special counsel Jack Smith charged Trump with a range of offenses. These included conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights in connection to the investigation.
Former President Donald Trump faced charges in connection with the U.S. Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, as well as an alleged plot to present fraudulent pro-Trump electors to the Electoral College in a bid to prevent Joe Biden from winning the election. Trump has consistently maintained his innocence and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He has also accused prosecutors of pursuing him for political reasons.
The trial that was scheduled to begin in March may face delays as the Supreme Court has agreed to hear Trump’s presidential immunity case. His attorneys are attempting to get the case dismissed, but their claims of immunity were previously rejected by a Washington, D.C., appeals court.
On Sunday, Welker pointed out that Trump has asserted his immunity from criminal prosecution for his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election.
Welker faced criticism for using the term “allegedly” when referring to Trump’s attempt to overturn the election results. Critics argued that it is not a matter of dispute whether Trump made these attempts. He baselessly claimed that the election was stolen from him due to widespread voter fraud. The controversy lies in determining whether Trump’s actions were illegal or not.
“Kristen Welker says that Trump allegedly tried to overturn the 2020 election. No, he really tried to do that. We lived through it!” expressed journalist Aaron Rupar on X, formerly known as Twitter.
According to writer Stephen Robinson, Welker appears to view Trump’s coup as a legal matter, considering his ongoing trial for attempting to unlawfully remain in office. However, as Aaron highlights, there is an undeniable truth that Trump did attempt to overturn the election. He openly admits to it, albeit arguing that it was not illegal.
Melanie D’Arrigo, executive director of the Campaign for New York Health and former congressional candidate, aptly pointed out, “It’s like saying, ‘Kristen Welker allegedly says that Trump ‘allegedly’ tried to overturn the 2020 election,’ while we all watch it on TV in real time.”
On the other hand, some individuals came to Welker’s defense, asserting that journalists have a responsibility to refer to the details of the DOJ’s case as “alleged” until he is proven guilty.
“I also believe that he is guilty, but in America, the principle of innocent until proven guilty prevails. We would have more confidence in our assertion if his trial stopped being delayed,” expressed Jim Goodloe, an English teacher and X user.
User Kathy Howell, a medical interpreter, emphasized the importance of using accurate terminology and refraining from presuming guilt in the media. She stated, “She has to use the proper terminology. He has not been found guilty. We know he’s guilty, but the media is supposed to be held to a higher standard.”
Political commentator Brian Krassenstein emphasized the fact that the individual in question has not been found guilty yet. The claims made against him pertain to a criminal case where he is accused of attempting to overturn the 2020 election. The prosecution’s stance is based on allegations, and it remains an allegation until a jury determines its veracity.
He emphasized, “Instead of getting outraged over insignificant matters, let’s focus our attention on things that truly deserve it. Kristen Welker is simply doing her job and taking precautions to ensure that neither she nor NBC face any defamation lawsuits.”
