By Brian S Iha
June 8, 2026
U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly ended an interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker after a tense exchange over his repeated claims of election fraud and questions surrounding a proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund.
The interview, which was recorded during Trump’s visit to Wisconsin and aired on Sunday, June 7, turned confrontational as Welker repeatedly challenged the president’s assertions that recent elections in California were “rigged” and questioned his longstanding claims that the 2020 presidential election had been stolen.
Welker pointed out that there was no evidence to support the allegations and noted that delays in vote counting are common due to the processing of mail-in ballots.
The discussion became increasingly heated when the NBC anchor pressed Trump on a proposed fund intended to compensate individuals who claim they were unfairly targeted by the federal government, including some people involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
As the questioning continued, Trump accused both the interviewer and major news organizations of bias.
“You’re either crooked or you’re stupid. You know that these elections are rigged. Your network knows that they’re rigged,” Trump told Welker.
Moments later, the president ended the interview.
“You’re a one-sided crooked network. Sorry. Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough. Thank you, darling. Have a good time,” he said before removing his microphone and leaving.
Welker attempted to continue the conversation and reminded Trump that she had travelled to Wisconsin and waited in the rain for the interview. However, Trump insisted that he had already given her sufficient time and criticized what he described as a dishonest press.
According to NBC, the interview lasted roughly 50 minutes and covered a wide range of issues, including the economy, Iran, the January 6 Capitol attack, and election integrity.
Following the broadcast, Welker disclosed that she spoke with Trump after the interview and that the two discussed the difficult weather conditions during the recording. She added that the president had agreed to sit down for another interview with “Meet the Press” in the future.
The dramatic exchange marked one of the most contentious interviews between Trump and a major television network since his return to the White House, underscoring the continuing tensions between the president and sections of the American media.
