Donald Trump Storms Out of Meet the Press Interview
Donald Trump cut short a television interview after facing tough questions about his continued claims regarding the 2020 presidential election and his support for compensating people charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot.
The former U.S. president sat down with NBC journalist Kristen Welker at a Wisconsin farm on June 5 for an interview that aired two days later. Their discussion covered a range of issues, including Iran, interest rates, and a proposed fund designed to compensate individuals Trump believes were unfairly targeted during the Biden administration.
Tension rose when Welker pressed Trump on his long-standing allegations that the 2020 election was improperly conducted. The conversation also turned to the January 6 Capitol attack and whether people arrested over the incident should receive financial compensation.
At one point, Trump appeared frustrated by the questioning and signaled that he was done with the interview.
"Let's call it quits, because I've had enough," he said before thanking Welker and ending the conversation. Footage from the interview showed him removing his microphone before leaving.
Earlier in the exchange, Welker asked whether he believed those arrested in connection with the Capitol riot deserved compensation.
"If it was up to me, I'd pay them the kind of money they deserve," Trump responded.
He argued that many individuals had suffered serious consequences following the events of January 6.
"People have been destroyed. Lives have been destroyed," he said, adding that several people had taken their own lives.
Trump also voiced support for the proposed "anti-weaponization fund," describing it as a worthwhile idea.
"I think the weaponization fund is a great idea, and so do many other Republicans," he said. "You have to get it approved. If they get it approved, that's great. If they don't get it approved, I'd be disappointed."
His remarks came despite reports that the U.S. Department of Justice had stepped away from plans to use taxpayer money to compensate January 6 defendants after opposition emerged from some Republican lawmakers.
The interview became increasingly confrontational when Welker repeatedly asked Trump to provide evidence supporting his claims that the 2020 election had been manipulated.
Trump maintained that election wrongdoing had taken place and pointed to concerns he said he had heard from others, while also referencing recent election races in California.
When Welker requested proof, Trump replied that he only needed to observe what was happening and listen to people raising concerns.
During the heated exchange, he also accused the NBC host of being "crooked" as she continued to challenge his assertions.
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