Donald Trump’s tense response to The Nightly’s Latika Bourke over Russia-Ukraine question

US President Donald Trump issued a fiery, dismissive response after The Nightly asked a question that hit a nerve for the leader of the free world.

The moment came after Mr Trump praised Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, shutting down speculation of a troubled US-Australia relationship, and the signing of a $13b critical mineral deal.

Speaking from The White House, Mr Trump was asked by The Nightly’s Latika Bourke why he didn’t use his enormous power to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.

“The First Lady has done such an amazing job on Ukrainian children who were abducted by Russia,” Bourke began, with Mr Trump saying “yeah”.

“Would you support Senator Lindsay Graham’s bill to declare Russia a terrorist state? You have within your power, you are the most powerful man on earth, why don’t you just enable Ukraine to finish this war tomorrow?” Bourke asked Mr Trump.

It was a question that appeared too much for the US President, who had until that moment been cool, calm and collected alongside Mr Albanese, with Bourke provoking the fury of Mr Trump.

“Well, if you knew anything about what you were talking about...

“I do,” Bourke asserted, before Mr Trump continued.

“You do? I don’t think you do really, I don’t think you do because it is a little more complicated than that,” Mr Trump said.

“It sounds easy. Were in the process of trying to make a deal.

“If we make a deal, that’s great. If we don’t make a deal, it will be ... a lot of people that would be paying a big price.”

As the room erupted with follow up questions, Mr Trump told the loud media scrum to “quiet, quiet, quiet”, before moving on.

Online, some viewers commented on the video, reminding others of Mr Trump’s promise to end the Russia-Ukraine war within 24-hours of becoming US President again, something he has not done.

“I will never understand why the press doesn’t gang up on him; they let him talk to them like pieces of crap,” another commented.

Another suggested it was Mr Trump who didn’t know what he was talking about, saying: “I don’t think you do Trump!”

Mr Trump’s tactic, doubting credibility of others, was a familiar move from the US President, who in the past has regularly shut down journalists, foreign leaders and US politicians if he did not like their line of question or stance.

As for Bourke’s credibility on the topic, the Walkley Award winning journalist has recently spent time on the ground in Ukraine, visiting the country twice in the last four months.

Donald Trump invited to Australia

In another question, Bourke asked Mr Trump if he would come to Australia, and if he did, would he play a round of golf at one of the country’s renowned courses.

“I actually have been to Australia,” Mr Trump told Bourke.

“I did play one of your great golf courses, they have great golf courses there.

“I have been invited to go, I will have to give it serious consideration. It’s a real possibility.”

Mr Trump went on to reveal that Mr Albanese invited the US President to visit Australia during the White House visit.

Jumping in with another offer to lure Mr Trump to Australia, Mr Albanese said “perhaps”, the US President could time his visit “with the President’s Cup, that Australia hosts”.

“When is the president’s cup?,” Mr Trump asked the PM.

“We will organise a time suitable for you Mr President,” Mr Albanese said, with the two laughing.”