President Donald Trump abruptly ended a live interview with NBC News on Sunday after clashing with host Kristen Welker over claims that the 2020 presidential election and current California primary elections were 'rigged'. The incident occurred during the 'Meet the Press' broadcast, which was set in a barn in Wisconsin during a farming event delayed by rain and technical difficulties.
Trump had been seated for approximately 50 minutes when he abruptly stood up, declaring, 'Let's call it quits because I've had enough,' after Welker challenged him on providing evidence for his assertion. During the interview, Trump stated, 'All I have to do is look, and I listen,' but Welker responded, 'But that's not evidence,' prompting Trump to accuse the media of being 'crooked' and 'stupid'.
The interview covered multiple topics including Iran policy and Trump's claims about California's slow vote counting. When asked about evidence for his 'rigged election' assertion, Trump insisted 'They're cheating on the election' without substantiation. His remarks followed weeks of unsubstantiated claims about election fraud, which have drawn widespread condemnation.
Trump has long maintained a contentious relationship with traditional media, frequently labeling outlets as 'crooked'. The White House has not issued a statement regarding the incident. Following the broadcast, Welker confirmed they had agreed to reschedule the interview. This latest episode underscores ongoing tensions between Trump and mainstream news organizations as his administration navigates political challenges.
