Donald Trump removes microphone, walks out of interview after heated clash with journalist

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump abruptly walked out of a recorded television interview after a tense exchange with the host over questions related to former President Joe Biden and election delays in California. The incident occurred during NBC News' nationally televised Meet the Press interview, where Trump engaged in a heated argument with host Kristen Welker. The confrontation escalated as Welker pressed the president on allegations about Biden and the delayed counting of election results in California.

"Let's call it quits because I've had enough. Thank you, darling. Have a good time," Trump said before removing his microphone and leaving the set.

During the interview, Trump expressed frustration over California's election results not being finalised even four days after voting. He alleged that election manipulation was responsible for the delay. When Welker asked whether he had evidence to support the claim, Trump responded that he was repeating what people were saying.

Trump also accused election officials of dishonesty and claimed that journalists, as well as the Meet the Press programme, were "fraudulent."

The interview began with a discussion on the conflict involving Iran, but later shifted to Trump's proposed $1.8 billion "anti-weaponisation" initiative. The programme is intended to provide support to individuals whom Trump believes were unfairly targeted by the Biden administration.

Welker questioned the proposal, prompting a strong reaction from Trump. During the exchange, he sharply criticised both Biden and the media.

The latest confrontation is not the first between Trump and members of the press. Just days earlier, he reportedly clashed with a CNN reporter and accused the network of being a "corrupt" organisation.