Trump walks out of NBC interview after clashing over election claims

Donald Trump abruptly exited an interview with NBC's Kristen Welker on Meet the Press, following a heated discussion about his unsubstantiated claims regarding the 2020 US presidential election and the January 6th Capitol riot defendants. The interview, conducted in Wisconsin and aired on Sunday, concluded when Trump took issue with Welker's questioning.

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It’s four days and they aren’t even close to counting [ballots].

During the exchange, Trump repeated false assertions that the 2020 US presidential election was rigged. He also falsely claimed the California gubernatorial race was "rigged" and questioned why Republican candidates were not performing well. When Welker pressed for evidence of fraud in the gubernatorial race, Trump accused her and her network of being "crooked."

"It’s four days and they aren’t even close to counting [ballots]," Trump argued, to which Welker responded that such timelines are standard for California's election process. Trump dismissed her explanation, stating, "You’re either crooked or you’re stupid. You play right into their hands with this crap. You know that these elections are rigged. Your network knows that they’re rigged."

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You’re either crooked or you’re stupid. You play right into their hands with this crap. You know that these elections are rigged. Your network knows that they’re rigged.

The interview also touched upon Trump's controversial "anti-weaponization" fund and whether individuals who pleaded guilty to assaulting police officers during the January 6th riots would be eligible for funding. Trump claimed, without evidence, that rioters were invited into the Capitol by FBI agents and felt pressured into plea deals due to fear of lengthy prison sentences. He refused to answer whether such individuals should receive taxpayer funding.

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Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough.

After repeated accusations of bias and corruption against NBC and Welker, Trump declared, "Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough," before removing his microphone and leaving the interview. He told Welker, "Thank you, darling. Have a good time," despite her having traveled to Wisconsin for the conversation. Welker attempted to remind him of her travel, to which Trump replied, "I’ve sat in the rain with you for an hour. On and off in the rain and I’ve given you enough time. You oughta straighten out your press."

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I’ve sat in the rain with you for an hour. On and off in the rain and I’ve given you enough time. You oughta straighten out your press.