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In brief
Trump walked out of a nearly hour-long NBC interview after host Kristen Welker pressed him for evidence of election fraud.
He called Welker 'corrupt or dumb' and labeled NBC and other networks 'biased' and 'dishonest.'
The interview heated up when Welker challenged Trump’s proposal to compensate alleged victims of political justice, a plan even some Republicans opposed.
Trump reiterated unfounded allegations that the 2020 presidential election was rigged and that current California primaries are also fraudulent.
- 5 JunInterview taped on a Wisconsin farm amid heavy rain; Trump answers questions on Iran and his campaign promise on wars.
- 5 JunExchange turns hostile over Trump’s compensation fund and claims of 2020 election fraud.
- 5 JunTrump calls Welker 'corrupt or dumb' and walks out, throwing his microphone.
- 7 JunNBC airs the interview; Welker says Trump later agreed to another interview.
Farm setting turned combative
The interview, taped Friday on a Wisconsin farm, began with Trump addressing questions about the Iran conflict and his 2020 campaign promise to avoid foreign entanglements. A tractor and hay bales formed the backdrop as heavy rain pounded the metal roof, interrupting the audio. Trump initially dismissed the disruptions: "The people will understand, we're on a farm." Welker asked her crew if they should halt recording, but the president insisted they continue.
The conversation grew tense when Welker pressed him on a proposed compensation fund for Americans he asserts were unjustly prosecuted under the Biden administration. Trump backed the idea, accusing "crooked journalists" and "radical-left lunatics" of destroying lives. When Welker noted a lack of evidence, Trump pivoted to his unproven claims that the 2020 election was stolen and that ongoing California primaries are rigged.
Confrontation over election fraud claims
Welker repeatedly asked for proof of fraud. Trump referenced the drawn-out ballot counting in California’s gubernatorial primary, implying it signaled corruption. Welker explained that mail‑in ballots, postmarked by election day, are still being processed—a routine practice. Trump dismissed the explanation: "I just have to look." He then assailed NBC and other networks as "biased" and "dishonest."
“Your elections are rigged, you are rigged, and 'Meet the Press' is rigged.”
Welker responded that she was not corrupt. Trump fired back, "You’re either corrupt or you’re dumb."
"Corrupt or dumb": Trump walks out
The exchange climaxed with Trump's abrupt exit. According to multiple reports, he removed his microphone, threw it to the ground, and strode off camera. His parting words:
“Sorry, let’s stop here, because I’ve had enough. Thank you, darling. Have fun.”
After the interview
The taped segment aired Sunday on "Meet the Press." Welker told viewers she later spoke with Trump about the adverse weather during the recording. He agreed to give her another interview, leaving the door open for a future encounter.