President Donald Trump stormed out of an interview with NBC’s Kristie Welker in Wisconsin on Friday after he was challenged on his claims of election rigging in the 2020 presidential election and the ongoing 2026 California gubernatorial race.
The U.S. leader first showed signs of irritation while discussing a proposed $1.8 billion anti-weaponisation fund for individuals he claimed were victimised by the administration. Critics have criticised the proposal, warning that the funds would benefit Mr Trump’s supporters, including those involved in the violent January 6, 2020, protest.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen with the weaponisation fund,” he said. “I love the idea because people like you, the fake dirty press, the crooked press, people like stupid Biden … they destroyed people. They sent people to jail who did nothing wrong.”
Ms Welker, host of Free the Press, interjected and asked for proof.
“There is no evidence for what you’re saying,” she said.
She repeatedly pressed Mr Trump on whether there was any evidence to support his assertion that the 2020 election was rigged, a line of questioning that appeared to anger the president.
Mr Trump claimed the California governorship election had been compromised, suggesting that the slow counting of ballots indicated corruption.
“It’s four days and they aren’t even close,” Mr Trump said.
The anchor said the slow pace of counting was expected and usual for elections in California.
“Do you have evidence to support that?” Ms Welker asked Mr Trump, who answered, “All I have to do is look.”
The U.S. president further accused NBC and other media organisations, such as CNN and CBS, of editorial bias, noting that he received “94 per cent bad press” despite winning the 2024 presidential election in a landslide.
“They’re crooked. Just like you’re crooked. Your press is crooked and Meet the Press is crooked. Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough,” Mr Trump said, as he stood from his chair. “Thank you, darling. Have a good time.”
