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Trump abruptly ends NBC interview amid heated exchange
US President Donald Trump walked off the set of Meet the Press on Friday after clashing with host Kristen Welker over unsubstantiated claims of election fraud in California and the 2020 presidential vote.
Confrontation over election integrity
During the interview, which aired Sunday, Trump repeated his assertion that both the 2020 election and California's ongoing primary contests were "rigged." When Welker pressed for evidence supporting his claims about the state's vote-counting process, Trump responded, "All I have to do is look, and I listen."
Welker countered, "That's not evidence," prompting Trump to accuse the media of being "crooked" before abruptly ending the conversation. "Sorry, let's call it quits because I've had enough," he said.
Technical delays and tense exchanges
The interview, conducted in a Wisconsin barn during a Trump event with farmers, faced repeated interruptions due to rain and technical issues. NBC reported Trump walked out approximately 50 minutes into the taping.
Earlier segments focused on US policy toward Iran, with Trump defending military action as necessary to prevent nuclear proliferation. "We're there for a few months and the threat is largely over," he stated.
Controversial fund and Capitol riot remarks
Six minutes before leaving, Trump and Welker debated the now-defunct "anti-weaponisation" fund-a proposed $1.8 billion ($1.3 billion) program to compensate individuals alleging government overreach. Critics, including Democrats and some Republicans, warned it could benefit those prosecuted for the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
When Welker questioned Trump's repeated claims of a "rigged" 2020 election, he pivoted to California's delayed primary results, calling the process "cheating." Full results remain uncertified due to the state's extensive mail-in voting system, which Trump has long criticized.
Final outburst and aftermath
After Welker challenged his accusations of media dishonesty, Trump escalated, telling her, "You're either crooked or you're stupid." He then stood, declaring, "I've sat in the rain with you for an hour... and I've given you enough time."
"A country can never be great with a dishonest press."
President Donald Trump
Following the broadcast, Welker revealed Trump had agreed to a follow-up interview, acknowledging the rain had complicated the session. The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment.
