Trump walks out of interview after heated debate

President Trump abruptly left an NBC interview following a dispute over allegations of election fraud targeting Democrats.

US President Donald Trump walked out of an interview with NBC anchor Kristen Welker on 5/6, which aired on 7/6. The interview, filmed at a farm in wisconsin, ended abruptly after a heated discussion centered on Trump's claims of election fraud and politically motivated prosecutions.

The atmosphere grew tense in the final minutes when Welker repeatedly pressed President Trump for evidence to support his recent claims that the 2020 presidential election and a recent primary election in california were "rigged". Trump suggested that the multi-day vote counting in california was unusual. When Welker countered that this was standard state procedure, he maintained that the election had issues but offered no specific proof. "just look is enough," Trump stated, to which Welker responded, "that's not proof."

The heated debate during Trump's interview with NBC, before he left the filming location. Video: NBC

Earlier in the interview, the two also debated Trump's plan to establish a USD 1,8 billion fund to compensate individuals he described as "victims of politically motivated prosecutions" during former president Joe Biden's administration. Welker inquired whether the 172 people who pleaded guilty to assaulting police during the 6/1/2021 Capitol riot would be eligible. Trump did not answer directly, instead suggesting that many pleaded guilty out of fear of facing harsher sentences. He also reiterated his accusation that Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents had permitted rioters to enter the capitol building. When Welker stated there was no evidence for this claim, the debate further escalated.

Following these exchanges, US President Trump criticized NBC and the media, labeling them as biased and "dishonest" organizations. He directly accused Welker, stating she was "either dishonest or stupid". As Welker continued to ask questions, Trump removed his microphone and stood up, leaving the filming area. "let's end it here because I've had enough. Thank you," he said before departing. "I've given you enough time. A country cannot be great if the media is as dishonest as you."

Adverse weather repeatedly interrupted the approximately 50-minute interview, according to NBC. Heavy rain consistently pounded the metal roof of the barn, impacting the audio quality. Trump frequently mentioned the sound of rain, thunder, and wind. When the technical crew considered pausing filming, he remarked that viewers would be understanding because the interview was taking place on a farm.

After the interview, Trump participated in a discussion with farmers in wisconsin. There, he addressed the argument with NBC and suggested that the weather might have contributed to his loss of composure. "because it was raining, I was a little angry with them," he said. "I wasn't happy with them, but we still had a pretty good time."