Donald Trump has sparked fresh health fears after he stormed out of a TV interview following an 'unhinged' outburst. The US President, 79, abruptly cut off a sit-down chat with NBC on Sunday night. He ranted at 'Meet The Press' host Kristen Welker that both the current primary elections in California and the 2020 presidential election were 'rigged'. But when challenged on the claims, he called Welker 'stupid.'
Trump's Tirade and Walkout
He then raged: 'I've sat in the rain with you for an hour, on and off in the rain, and I've given you enough time. You ought to straighten out your press, because you know what? A country can never be great with a dishonest press.' Trump then gestured to people behind the camera, saying 'come on, let's go', before standing up and walking off the set.
Trump's temper tantrum came after he was pressed for evidence on California's vote by Welker, to which he said: 'All I have to do is look, and I listen.' After she pointed out 'that's not evidence', Trump accused the media of being 'crooked', before ending the interview: 'Sorry, let's call it quits because I've had enough,' and sarcastically adding: 'Thank you darling, have a good time.' He then crushed his microphone under his foot as he stormed off.
Reactions and Mental Health Speculation
The tirade sparked further speculation about his mental health online. One social media user said: 'He has the emotional control of a raging toddler and the mental capacity of a boiled shoe.' Arizona congresswoman Yassamin Ansari stated: 'This man lost his mind a long time ago. It’s shameful that Republicans in Congress continue to enable him in every way. He’s destroying this country and his mental decline and erratic behavior is a national security crisis.'
The Atlantic writer Tim Nichols commented on X: 'Emotionally unstable man goes on paranoid, babbling rant. Somewhere in that suit, he has a small card with the codes to 1500 strategic nuclear weapons.' New York Times columnist David French called the president’s behaviour 'unhinged', adding: 'If a family member behaved this way, you’d worry about them. If a CEO behaved like this, the board would meet. He’s living in an alternate reality and furious when a person won’t indulge his fantasies.'
Background of Cognitive Concerns
Trump, who turns 80 next week, has been the subject of speculation after showing signs of cognitive decline, including bouts of slurred speech, public sleeping fits and late-night social media posting sprees. This latest incident has intensified fears about his fitness for office as he approaches his eighth decade.
