US President Donald Trump walked out of an interview with NBC News' Kristen Welker during a taping of Meet the Press in Wisconsin on Friday, after a tense exchange over his claims of election fraud. The interview, which aired on Sunday, saw Trump become visibly irate as Welker pressed him on his proposed $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponisation' fund, intended to protect individuals who claim persecution by the federal government, including those involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.
Trump accused Welker and the media of being 'crooked', insisting there was 'tremendous evidence' of election rigging in the 2020 presidential election, despite Welker repeatedly stating there was no evidence to support his claims. He lashed out at Welker and the programme, saying: 'They’re crooked just like you’re crooked, your press is crooked. And Meet the Press is crooked.'
After further back-and-forth, Trump declared: 'Let's call it quits, because I've had enough. Thank you, darling. Have a good time.' Welker pleaded with him to stay, noting she had travelled to Wisconsin for the interview, but Trump continued his rant before storming off the set. Welker initially attempted to follow him, then turned to the camera, looking bemused.
