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Washington: US President Donald Trump had an intense clash with an ABC journalist who asked him questions about his personal business dealings, accusing the reporter of “hurting Australia” ahead of an imminent meeting between Trump and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
At a doorstop with reporters at the White House, the ABC’s global affairs editor John Lyons began by asking Trump how much wealthier he was now than when he returned to the Oval Office in January.
“I don’t know,” Trump said. “Other than what my kids were doing ... mostly the deals that I’ve made were made before [taking office]. This is what I’ve done for a life. I’ve built buildings.”
Trump went on to promote the ballroom he has commissioned at the White House, saying it would be the greatest in the world, and he would foot the bill himself.
Lyons asked whether it was appropriate for a sitting president to be engaged in so much business activity.
“I’m really not, my kids are running the business,” Trump said. He then asked Lyons where he was from.
“I’m from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Four Corners program,” Lyons replied.
Trump said: “Oh, the Australian – You’re hurting Australia. In my opinion, you are hurting Australia very much right now. And they want to get along with me. You know, your leader is coming over to see me very soon. I’m going to tell him about you, you said a very bad tone.”
Trump speaks with reporters at the White House before leaving for the UK.Credit: AP
Lyons attempted to ask another question about a $US2 billion deal between the United Arab Emirates’ ruling family and World Liberty Financial, a crypto company set up by the Trumps and the family of Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff.
The president moved on to another reporter, pointed a finger at Lyons and told him: “Quiet.”
Lyons is a veteran journalist and foreign correspondent who has held senior roles across print and television at The Sydney Morning Herald, News Corp, Nine and the ABC. He was asking questions for an ABC Four Corners investigation into the business activities of Trump and his family since returning to office.
The intense exchange, and Trump’s threat to the bilateral relationship, comes just days before Albanese is due to arrive in the US for the opening session of the United Nations General Assembly and a long-awaited meeting with Trump, which the president seemed to confirm.
Both sides have indicated schedules are still in play. Trump will now travel to Arizona on Sunday for the funeral of assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk, while the president’s diary in New York is still being finalised.
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While details have not been announced, Albanese told Perth radio on Monday: “We’ll see each other in New York. He [Trump] is hosting a reception on Tuesday night of next week. And as well, we’ll see each other at various forums that are taking place between now and the end of the year. It’s summit season.”
Lyons declined to comment. The White House was contacted for comment.
Trump was bound for the United Kingdom, where he will be honoured with a state visit, including a full day of ceremony at Windsor Castle with the royal family, and talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
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