President Donald Trump abruptly ended an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” after a contentious exchange over his claims about election fraud and questions regarding compensation for people charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
The interview, conducted on Friday in Wisconsin by moderator Kristen Welker and broadcast on Sunday, became heated when Trump alleged that California’s gubernatorial election was “rigged” and repeated his longstanding assertions that the 2020 presidential election was stolen.
Welker challenged the president’s claims, noting that California often takes several days to complete ballot counting and asking whether he had evidence to support allegations of election fraud. Trump responded by criticizing both the journalist and NBC News, accusing the network of bias.
As the exchange continued, Trump reiterated his belief that the 2020 election was improperly conducted, despite numerous court rulings, recounts and election reviews that found no evidence of widespread fraud capable of changing the outcome.
The interview also focused on Trump’s controversial “anti-weaponization” fund and whether individuals who pleaded guilty to assaulting police officers during the Capitol riot should be eligible for compensation. Trump did not directly answer the question, instead arguing that some defendants accepted plea agreements because they feared lengthy prison sentences.
He also repeated claims that some rioters had been invited into the Capitol by federal agents, an allegation for which no evidence was presented during the interview.
The discussion grew increasingly tense as Welker attempted to return to questions about election integrity and the January 6 defendants. Trump ultimately decided to end the interview before its scheduled conclusion.
“Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough,” Trump said as he removed his microphone.
When Welker noted that she had traveled to Wisconsin for the interview, Trump replied that he had already spent significant time answering questions and again criticized the news media.
The interview marked another high-profile confrontation between Trump and a major news organization, reflecting the ongoing tensions between the president and members of the national press corps. It also highlighted Trump’s continued focus on claims about the 2020 election, an issue that remains central to many of his public appearances and political messaging.
NBC News had not publicly commented on Trump’s decision to end the interview as of Sunday evening.
Source: The Guardian