Trump Walks Out of ‘Meet the Press’ Interview After Exchange Over Election Claims
6 verified3 unconfirmed
President Donald Trump ended a recorded interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press” early after a tense exchange with host Kristen Welker over claims of election fraud. The interview, conducted in Wisconsin on Friday and aired Sunday, focused on Trump’s proposed “anti-weaponization” fund. Welker repeatedly pressed Trump for evidence supporting his allegations of a rigged election. Trump responded by criticizing the media and calling Welker “crooked” or “stupid.” He then removed his microphone and left the set, telling Welker he had “had enough.” The exchange covered both past election claims and concerns about vote counting in California’s ongoing election.
What’s verified
President Donald Trump walked out of his recorded interview with “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker.
The interview took place in Wisconsin on Friday and aired Sunday.
Trump defended a proposed nearly $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund to compensate people he says were wrongly targeted by the federal government.
Welker repeatedly asked Trump for evidence of his claims of election fraud and a rigged election.
Trump called Welker “crooked” or “stupid” and said “Meet the Press” is crooked.
Trump removed his microphone and left, saying “Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough.”
Not yet confirmed
One source reported that Trump claimed individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack “had FBI agents ushering them into the building”; the other source did not include this remark.
One source reported that Trump referenced acting attorney general Todd Blanche’s announcement that the anti-weaponization fund would not move forward; the other source did not.
One source reported that Trump compared U.S. elections to those of a “third-world country”; the other source did not.
Key figures
Donald Trump, President of the United States
Kristen Welker, host of “Meet the Press”
Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter
