US President Donald Trump lost his cool during an interview with the news channel ‘NBC News’ and stormed off the set after journalist Kristin Welker asked him critical questions. “Let’s put an end to it, because I’ve had enough,” he said suddenly. “Thank you honey, have fun.” He then threw his microphone on the ground and ran away.
Journalist at HLN
The interview for ‘Meet the Press’ took place in a barn in the US state of Wisconsin, just before Trump was to participate in a debate on the agricultural sector. It had to be interrupted repeatedly by rain pounding on the metal roof and technical problems. When he also received strong resistance from Welker, Trump became visibly irritated.
For example, Welker turned his thumbs on his compensation fund for victims of the legal system. This is seen as a veiled way to support Trump’s allies and supporters, including in lawsuits against the stormers of the Capitol. The plan was scrapped this week after strong criticism, including from Republicans.
Trapped
In the interview, Trump stood up for the stormers and claimed that they were lured into a trap by “corrupt agents.” According to him, they allegedly pleaded guilty to assaulting police officers “because they were terrified that they would go behind bars for 15 years if they did not do so.”
When Welker countered that there was no evidence of this, Trump started ranting about another pet peeve: rigged elections. “It’s happening again in California right now,” he steamed. “It’s been four days and they’re not even close to a result (in the primaries for a new governor, ed.). Do you know why? Because they cheat!”
Off the rails
Welker again countered that there was no evidence for this and that local authorities said they “just wanted to be careful” when counting. Then the interview went completely off the rails. “They are corrupt,” Trump raged. “Just like you are corrupt. The press is corrupt. And ‘Meet the Press’ is corrupt.”
When Welker denied that she was corrupt, he went a step further. “Really? Well, you’re playing right into their hands. Either you’re corrupt or you’re just plain stupid. You know these elections are rigged. Your network knows they’re rigged. You have no credibility whatsoever.”
After Welker again said that Trump never provided evidence of fraud during the elections, the president seemed to have had enough. “Okay, let’s call it a day, because I’ve had enough,” he said. “Thank you honey, have fun.” Whereupon he took off his microphone and threw it on the ground. “A country can never be great with a dishonest press. Come on, we’re gone,” he added, leaving Welker astonished.
Reproach
It is not the first time that Trump has railed against the press. He has now made it a trademark to blame and reprimand journalists, without providing any evidence for his statements.