During the conversation, Trump argued that California’s election system was flawed, pointing to the continued counting of ballots several days after Election Day. He suggested that the process raised concerns about the legitimacy of the results and compared it to his long-standing criticisms of the 2020 presidential election.
“It’s happening again right now in California,” Trump said during the interview. “This is happening right now. It’s four days.”
Welker responded by noting that California’s voting system routinely includes mail-in ballots and that vote counting often continues after Election Day.
“That’s how they vote in California,” she replied.
The discussion became more contentious when Welker pressed Trump to provide evidence supporting his claims that the election was being manipulated.
According to Trump, his conclusions were based on what he had observed and heard.
“All I have to do is look, and I listen,” he said.
Welker quickly challenged that statement.
“That’s not evidence,” she responded.
The exchange appeared to frustrate the president, who then turned his criticism toward the media.
“They’re crooked. Just like you’re crooked,” Trump said.
Welker immediately pushed back.
“To be fair, I’m not crooked. But let’s continue.”
Rather than moving on, Trump doubled down.
“You’re either crooked or you’re stupid,” he replied.
The atmosphere grew increasingly tense as both continued discussing election-related issues. Moments later, Trump indicated that he was ready to end the interview.
“Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough. Thank you, darling. Have a good time,” he said.
Welker attempted to continue the discussion, but Trump interrupted and expressed frustration with both the interview and the media more broadly.
“I’ve sat in the rain with you for an hour, on and off in the rain, and I’ve given you enough time,” Trump said. “You ought to straighten out your press, because you know what? A country can never be great with a dishonest press.”
Shortly afterward, Trump motioned toward members of his team behind the cameras.
“Come on, let’s go,” he said before standing up and leaving the set.
The unusual ending quickly attracted attention online, with clips of the exchange spreading across social media and generating reactions from supporters and critics alike.
Despite the tense conclusion, the situation did not completely end communication between the two.
According to reports, Welker later revealed that she had spoken with Trump after the interview aired. She acknowledged that weather conditions had created additional challenges during the conversation, as portions of the interview were conducted in rainy conditions.
“I spoke with President Trump on Saturday and we both acknowledged the complications during the interview posed by the rain,” Welker said.
She also revealed that Trump had agreed to participate in another Meet the Press interview at a later date.
The exchange marks the latest in a long history of tense interactions between Trump and members of the media. Throughout his political career, he has frequently criticized journalists and news organizations he believes have treated him unfairly, while reporters have continued to challenge his statements on issues ranging from elections to public policy.
As reactions continue to pour in, the interview has once again sparked debate about the relationship between political leaders and the press, as well as the role journalists play in challenging claims made by public officials.