Trump walks out of interview with NBC’s Meet the Press after clash over election claims | Donald Trump
US politics | The Guardian — 2026-06-07 19:15:00 — www.theguardian.com
Trump Walks Out of NBC Interview Amid False Claims and Tensions
In a contentious interview with NBC’s Meet the Press that aired on Sunday, former President Donald Trump walked out after repeatedly making unfounded claims regarding the 2020 presidential election and the recent California gubernatorial race. The interview, conducted by Kristen Welker in Wisconsin, escalated into a heated exchange, ultimately ending with Trump taking off his microphone and declaring, “Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough.”
Repeated False Claims
During the interview, Trump insisted that the 2020 presidential election was “rigged,” reasserting previously unverified claims of electoral fraud. He focused particularly on the California gubernatorial race, stating, “It’s four days and they aren’t even close to counting [ballots].” However, Welker pointed out that this delay is standard practice in California’s election process. Current polls indicate a competitive race between Democratic frontrunner Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton.
When pressed for evidence to support his claims of a fraudulent election, Trump accused Welker of being “crooked.” “They’re crooked, just like you’re crooked, your press is crooked. And Meet the Press is crooked,” he said, dismissing her questions with scorn.
Attacks on NBC and Media
As Welker attempted to guide the conversation back to more substantive topics, Trump continued his attacks, stating, “You’re either crooked or you’re stupid,” while claiming media bias against him. He maintained that “these elections are rigged,” despite no credible evidence supporting this assertion.
Trump also made contentious remarks regarding those charged in connection with the January 6 insurrection. He suggested, without evidence, that these individuals were invited into the Capitol by FBI agents and took plea deals out of fear of lengthy prison sentences. “You know why they pleaded guilty? Because they were told they were going to jail for 15 years … because they were frightened,” he stated.
A Tense Exchange
Throughout the interview, Trump expressed visible irritation, particularly when questioned about his controversial “anti-weaponization” fund intended to address allegations of political persecution. Welker raised concerns about whether those who assaulted police officers on January 6 could benefit from this fund, a question that further escalated tensions.
As the interview neared its end, Trump remarked, “I’ve sat in the rain with you for an hour. On and off in the rain and I’ve given you enough time. You oughta straighten out your press.” His abrupt departure left viewers and analysts to ponder his ongoing relationship with the media.
Conclusion
Trump’s latest media engagement highlights his continued reliance on debunked claims about the 2020 election and a combative stance towards critical questioning from the press. While he walked out of the interview, his assertions of fraud and bias have faced extensive scrutiny and fact-checking, underscoring the persistent divide in American political discourse. As Trump remains a central figure in the Republican Party, these narratives will likely influence future electoral battles and media interactions.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/07/trump-walks-out-meet-the-press-nbc-interview