Meet the Press - August 30, 2026

On August 30, 2026, Kristen Welker hosted an episode of Meet the Press, discussing the upcoming midterm elections with a focus on President Donald Trump's influence on the Republican Party. With 65 days until the elections, Trump urged voters to consider him as a candidate. He stated, "What I really want you to do is pretend, please that I’m on the ballot." The conversation included concerns about Trump's low approval ratings, economic issues, and the ongoing Iran war. Welker interviewed Republican Senator Ted Cruz and Democratic Congressman James Clyburn, among others. Trump has intensified a trade dispute with Canada, announcing a name change for Lake Ontario to "Lake America." The episode also addressed the Michigan Senate race, where the Democratic nominee faced scrutiny for past comments. Cruz endorsed Ken Paxton for the Texas Senate seat, responding to criticism from Senator John Cornyn about Paxton's campaign abilities. Cruz defended Paxton, emphasizing his conservative values and alignment with Texas voters. He dismissed concerns about Paxton's legal challenges, asserting that Paxton's record would resonate with voters. The discussion highlighted the competitive nature of six Senate races, with the GOP convention scheduled in Dallas next week.