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Trump’s heated exchange with NBC anchor Kristen Welker began with a discussion about California’s vote-counting process and ended with Trump walking out of the interview.
Trump Storms Out of NBC Interview After Being Pressed for Evidence of Election Fraud Claims (Photo: Screengrab from NBC interview)
US President Donald Trump abruptly ended an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press after he was questioned about his claims that elections in California were rigged.
The exchange with NBC anchor Kristen Welker began with a discussion about California’s vote-counting process and ended with Trump walking out of the interview after calling the journalist “crooked” and “stupid”.
The confrontation took place during a nationally televised interview and quickly escalated as Welker pressed the president for evidence supporting his allegations of election fraud.
What actually happened?
The discussion started when Trump referred to the pace of vote counting in California. “It’s four days, and they aren’t even close to coming up with the results,” he said.
Welker responded by noting that California’s extended vote-counting process was part of the state’s established system for tallying ballots.
Trump then claimed the delay was evidence of wrongdoing. “Do you know why they’re doing that? Because they’re cheating in the election,” he said.
Welker directly asked whether he had any evidence to support the allegation.
In response, Trump said, “All I have to do is look,” adding that he listens to people.
The NBC anchor again pressed him, saying there was “no evidence” of rigged elections in the United States. Trump did not provide any evidence and instead questioned whether it was appropriate for vote counting to continue several days after polling.
“Do you think it’s appropriate that they have an election and five days later, they’re nowhere close to picking a winner?” he asked.
Welker replied that the process was slow but said California officials were working to improve it.
Trump attacks top media organisations
The conversation then turned into a broader criticism of the media.
Trump accused California election officials of being “crooked” and extended the criticism to Welker and several news organisations. “They’re crooked, just like you’re crooked, your press is crooked. And ‘Meet the Press’ is crooked,” he said.
The president also described the United States as being “like a third-world country” when it comes to running elections.
Welker responded by saying, “To be fair, I’m not crooked.” Trump then replied, “You’re either crooked or you’re stupid.”
He went on to accuse NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN and other media organisations of being biased. “Your elections are crooked, and you’re crooked and ‘Meet the Press’ is crooked,” he said.
.@POTUS bodies @kwelkernbc on California’s pathetic excuse for an election system:“Do you think it’s appropriate that they have an election and five days later they’re nowhere close to picking a winner!? They’re crooked — just like you’re crooked.” pic.twitter.com/a4gwNUm7gC
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 7, 2026
Interview ends abruptly
As the exchange grew more tense, Trump ended the interview.
“Sorry. Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough. Thank you, darling. Have a good time,” he said.
The president then removed his microphone and threw it to the ground.
When Welker reminded him that she had travelled to Wisconsin for the interview, Trump replied, “I sat in the rain with you for an hour.”
As the anchor attempted to continue the discussion, Trump said he had already given enough time and urged the media to “straighten out” its coverage.
Not the first clash with journalists
The confrontation follows another recent exchange between Trump and a journalist.
Days before the NBC interview, Trump criticised CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins during a separate press event, describing CNN as “a very corrupt organisation”.
Referring to Collins, he said, “She’s a young, beautiful woman who never smiles. I see her standing with hatred in her eyes.”
Trump also told Collins to “be quiet” after she noted that Republicans had themselves criticised a Department of Justice fund under which those involved in the 6 January Capitol riot could have been eligible for payments.
About the Author
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen…Read More
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
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