Welker Questions Trump and Biden Negotiation Skills on Meet the Press

On October 12, 2025, NBC's "Meet the Press" featured a discussion on the recent peace deal between Israel and Hamas, with Vice President J.D. Vance and Democratic Senator Mark Kelly as guests. The episode highlighted contrasting approaches to questioning between the two political figures, particularly regarding the effectiveness of former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden in international negotiations.

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During the interview, anchor Kristen Welker posed pointed questions to Vice President Vance about the implications of the peace agreement, which aims to end hostilities in Gaza and facilitate the release of hostages. Welker asked, "Mr. Vice President, do you see this moment as an end to the war in Gaza?" She pressed Vance on the administration's responsibility in the ongoing government shutdown, emphasizing Trump's role in the deadlock.

In contrast, Welker's questioning of Senator Kelly appeared less confrontational. She asked him, "Do you believe that this peace deal came together now because President Trump was more effective at pressuring Prime Minister Netanyahu than former President Biden was?" This question reflected a broader debate about the negotiation styles of the two presidents, with critics suggesting that Biden's approach has been less effective.

The peace deal, which was announced amid escalating tensions in the region, has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters of Trump argue that his administration's pressure tactics were crucial in achieving this agreement, while critics assert that Biden's leadership is necessary for maintaining stability.

Welker also addressed the ongoing government shutdown, which has led to mass layoffs of federal workers. She noted that during the 2019 shutdown under Trump, no federal workers were laid off, raising questions about the current administration's approach. Vance responded, emphasizing the need for negotiations to resolve the impasse.

The episode also touched on the recent indictments of political figures associated with Trump, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey. Welker questioned Vance about whether the Department of Justice is acting under Trump's influence, asking, "Is the appearance of pressure a problem?" Vance did not directly answer, but he defended the integrity of the Justice Department.

As the discussion progressed, Welker highlighted the challenges facing the Biden administration, stating, "Here you’ll have the president on the world stage touting this indisputable, huge victory. The government’s at a standstill back at home." This comment underscored the dual narrative of international success versus domestic challenges.

The panel discussion that followed included insights from NBC News Chief Justice Correspondent Kelly O’Donnell and others, who analyzed the implications of the peace deal and the political landscape in the U.S. The consensus among the panelists was that while the peace agreement is a significant step, its long-term success remains uncertain due to the complex dynamics in the region.

Overall, the episode of "Meet the Press" provided a platform for discussing the contrasting negotiation styles of Trump and Biden, the implications of the recent peace deal, and the ongoing political challenges in the U.S. as the government shutdown continues to unfold.