Donald Trump walks out of NBC interview in Wisconsin after clash with Kristen Welker over election claims
Donald Trump branded an NBC host ‘crooked’ and abruptly ended an interview after being repeatedly challenged over his election claims.
US President Donald Trump abruptly ended an interview with NBC after a tense exchange with presenter Kristen Welker over his repeated claims that recent elections had been “rigged”.
The heated interview, filmed during an appearance with farmers in Wisconsin and aired on Sunday’s Meet The Press, unravelled after Ms Welker repeatedly pressed the President for evidence to support his allegations about both California’s primary elections and the 2020 presidential race.
Mr Trump claimed delays in counting votes in California’s primary contests were proof of wrongdoing.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“They’re cheating on the election,” he said.
When Ms Welker asked whether he had evidence to support the claim, Mr Trump replied, “All I have to do is look, and I listen.”
“But that’s not evidence,” she interjected.
The exchange quickly escalated.
“They’re crooked,” Mr Trump continued, “just like you’re crooked.”
Ms Welker pushed back, saying, “To be fair, I’m not crooked. But let’s continue.”
Mr Trump then responded, “You’re either crooked or you’re stupid”.
The confrontation marked the most dramatic moment of a wide-ranging interview that also covered the conflict with Iran, immigration and a now-abandoned proposal to create a $US1.8 billion ($A2.5 billion) fund for people who claimed they had been unfairly targeted by government investigations.
Much of the discussion centred on Mr Trump’s decision to take military action against Iran, with the President insisting the intervention would not become a prolonged conflict.
“We’re there for a few months and the threat is largely over,” he said.
The interview was repeatedly interrupted by rain hammering the roof of the barn where it was being filmed, as well as technical difficulties. NBC reported Mr Trump remained seated for about 50 minutes before ultimately ending the conversation.
After further back-and-forth over election integrity, Mr Trump signalled he had reached his limit.
“Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough. Thank you darling, have a good time,” he told Welker.
When the presenter attempted to continue, Mr Trump cut her off.
“I’ve sat in the rain with you for an hour, on and off in the rain, and I’ve given you enough time.”
“You ought to straighten out your press, because you know what? A country can never be great with a dishonest press.”
Mr Trump then gestured to people behind the cameras and said, “come on, let’s go”, before standing up and walking off the set.
The President has long maintained a combative relationship with major US media organisations, frequently accusing journalists and news outlets of bias.
Following the broadcast, Ms Welker said she had spoken with Mr Trump the following day and that both acknowledged the difficult filming conditions caused by the weather. She said the President had agreed to sit down for another Meet The Press interview in the future.
