On 16/9, ABC reporter John Lyons questioned former President Donald Trump about his business dealings during his presidency, asking whether it was appropriate for a sitting leader to be so involved in personal business activities.
"My children are running the business," Trump responded, before asking Lyons where he was from.
Upon learning that Lyons was from the ABC, Trump warned him that he was harming his country.
"Australia wants to get along with me. You know, your leaders are coming to see me soon. I’m going to tell him about you. You speak very rudely," Trump said, referring to Prime Minister Albanese.
When Lyons attempted to interject, Trump told him to "be quiet."
Prime Minister Albanese was scheduled to meet with Trump the following week, on the sidelines of a United Nations event. The Australian government was addressing obstacles before the meeting, as the US was pressuring Australia to increase its defense spending from around 2% of GDP to 3.5%.
When asked about the exchange between Lyons and Trump, Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers said Lyons was "just doing his job."
"Journalists have a job to do and Lyons was just doing his job in Washington. I won't second-guess the questions that journalists ask, whether it's in Washington or anywhere else. I respect the independence of the ABC," Chalmers said.
Ngoc Anh (Theo ABC, Reuters, 9News)
