US President Donald Trump abruptly ended a television interview with NBC’s Meet the Press program after a heated exchange with anchor Kristen Welker over his repeated claims that the US election is being rigged.The interview centered around Trump’s claims about the 2020 presidential election and his concerns about vote counting in California. Eventually, the discussion escalated into a confrontation, with Trump accusing the media of dishonesty before removing his microphone and walking away.The exchange began when Trump defended his proposed “arms control fund,” a previously announced plan to compensate people who believe they are being unfairly targeted by the Biden administration.
The proposal has since stalled after the Department of Justice (DOJ) said it would not move forward.“As I understand it, the Arms Fund was going to be a group of people, people who could be chosen by anyone, fair people, smart people, and they would be chosen on an individual basis,” Trump said.The president added: “Now I don’t know what’s going to happen to the gun box. I love the idea because people like you, the fake dirty press, the crooked press, people like stupid Biden, he’s not smart enough to know what’s going on but the people who surrounded him, surrounded his beautiful, firm desk in the Oval Office, and what they did to people’s lives, they destroyed people.”
They sent people to prison who did nothing wrong.
“Welker disputed the president’s claims, saying no evidence had been presented to support them. As she tried to transition to a question about Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and the future of the fund, Trump interrupted her.“Listen to me: there is tremendous evidence,” he said.He added: “There is only evidence. The election was rigged. It was a dirty election, and it is happening again now in California.”
It’s happening in California, now. Look at what’s happening in California.”Welker repeatedly asked Trump to provide evidence. The president instead pointed to the slow pace of vote counting in California, where several races remained undecided days after the election.“Republicans are doing well in California,” Welker responded.“No, it’s not,” Trump replied. “They’re backing down quickly because it’s a rigged election.”
“Let me tell you, it’s been four days and they haven’t even come close.”When Welker pointed out that California allows mail-in ballots to be sent out until Election Day, a process that often delays final results, Trump responded: “Do you know why they do that? Because they cheat in the election.”Asked if he had evidence, Trump said: “All I have to do is look. All I have to do is look and listen, listen to the people and let’s see what happens.”The interview became tense as the pair bickered over election procedures and media coverage. Trump accused election officials, television networks and journalists of dishonesty.“No, they’re crooked,” he told Welker. “They’re crooked, just like you’re crooked. Your journalism is crooked and your press meet is crooked.”When she replied: “To be fair, I’m not being crooked, but let’s…”, Trump responded: “Really? Well, you’re playing into their hands then.”
“You’re either crooked or stupid.”As Welker continued to demand evidence, Trump repeated his claims and criticized news organizations.“Your elections are crooked, you are crooked, Meet the Press is crooked, and so are ABC, CBS and CNN,” he said. “You’re one-sided twisted webs. Let’s stop that because I’ve had enough. Thank you, baby.”
Trump then removed his microphone and ended the interview.
Welker urged him to stay, noting that she had traveled to Wisconsin to have the conversation.The president defended his decision, saying: “I have given you enough time. You must correct your journalism because you know what, a country can never be great with a dishonest press.”Then he walked out, bringing the interview to an abrupt end.
