By Enitan Abdultawab
President Donald Trump abruptly ended an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press on Saturday after a heated exchange with moderator Kristen Welker over his claims that California’s primary elections were “rigged.”
The tense interview, conducted during Trump’s visit to Wisconsin ahead of the midterm elections, deteriorated when the president alleged that Republicans were losing ground in California because of election fraud.
Discussing the June 2 California primary elections, Trump claimed that Republicans were “dropping fast because it’s a rigged election.”
Welker, however, challenged the assertion, noting that California’s vote-counting process often takes several days to complete.
“Do you know why they’re doing that? Because they’re cheating on the election,” Trump said.
When Welker repeatedly asked for evidence to support the allegation, Trump responded, “All I have to do is look,” adding that he also listens to reports from others. Welker pushed back, stressing that the prolonged counting process was standard practice in California.
The exchange grew increasingly confrontational as Trump accused election officials and the media of dishonesty.
“They’re crooked just like you’re crooked, your press is crooked and Meet the Press is crooked,” he told Welker.
After the NBC host denied the accusation and attempted to continue the discussion, Trump intensified his criticism, telling her she was “either stupid or crooked.”
Moments later, the president decided to end the interview.
“Sorry. Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough,” Trump said. “Thank you, darling. Have a good time.”
As Welker reminded Trump that she had travelled to Wisconsin for the interview, he defended his decision to leave, saying he had already spent considerable time speaking with her despite poor weather conditions.
“I sat in the rain with you for an hour,” Trump said. “I’ve given you enough time. You ought to straighten out your press.”
The interview then concluded abruptly, with Trump walking away before further questions could be asked.
