Australia's national broadcaster, the ABC, has been excluded from attending Donald Trump's press conference near London, days after a clash between its Americas editor and the US president. The ABC was told by Downing Street that its accreditation was cancelled for 'logistical reasons', with other international outlets also moved to an overflow room due to space constraints.
Both Downing Street and the Foreign Press Association denied the ABC was targeted, stating the decision was based on which organisations held lobby passes for the UK parliament. A government spokesperson said media accreditation was limited by capacity due to high demand.
The incident follows a tense exchange in Washington, where ABC's John Lyons asked Trump how much wealthier he had become since returning to office. Trump accused Lyons of 'hurting Australia' and threatened to raise the issue with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The Trump administration later labelled Lyons a 'foreign fake news loser' on social media.
Australian politicians, including Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young, supported Lyons, calling on Albanese to stand up to Trump's criticism. ABC news director Justin Stevens affirmed the broadcaster's full support for Lyons, stating his job is to ask questions.
